WHAT ARE WE READING AND REVIEWING IN JULY 2022?

You realize that it's just the same 26 letters being rearranged, don't you? (can't make the picture print any larger)

🏁 - ★
🏁 The Nightmare Room - Chris Sorensen - 3.5★ (July Friend)
🏁 Camels Back/Kill List - Brian Christopher Shea - 5★
🏁 Shiver - Allie Reynolds - 4.5★
🏁 The Ghost of Marlow House - Bobbi Holmes - 2.5★
🏁 Buried - C. J. Carmichael - 3★
🏁 Buried Passions - Andrew Grey - 5★
🏁 The Gray and Guilty Sea - Scott William Carter - 5★
🏁 Once Gone - Blake Pierce - 1★
🏁 Footsteps In The Dark - Josh Lanyon and 7 more authors - 4.25★
🏁 Love - Elle Keaton - 4★
🏁 Ice In His Veins - Chuck Zito - 4.5★
🏁 This Rough Magic - Josh Lanyon - 4★
🏁 Bachelor Party - Xavier Mayne - 4★
🏁 A Wedding To Die For - Xavier Mayne - 5★
🏁 Sinners Gin - Rhys Ford -5+★
🏁 The List - J.A. Konrath -3★
🏁 Follow You Home - Mark Edwards 5★
🏁 Hush - Tal Bauer - 5★
🏁 Bloody Valentine - James Patteson - 3★
🏁 A Portrait of Phillip - J. P. Bowie - 4.5★
🏁 The Monet Murders - Josh Lanyon - 3.5★
🏁 Does The Feeling Go Both Ways? -A.R. Molar- 4★
🏁 Inches Of Trust - A.R. Molar - 5★
🏁 Eyes And Ears - A.R. Moler - 5★
🏁 I Thee Wed - A.R. Molar - 5★
🏁 Blue on Blue - Dal MacLean - 4.5★
🏁 A Portrait of Phillip - J.P. Bowie - 4★
🏁 Bad Intentions - Ella Frank -5★
🏁 Good Intentions - Ella Frank -5★
🏁 Learning To Love - Felice Stevens -2.5★
🏁 The Children on the Hill -Jennifer McMahon -4★
🏁 The Lifeguards - Amanda Eyre Ward -4.5★
🏁 The Secrets They Keep - Emerald O'Brien -3★
🏁 The Thief Lord - Cordelia Funke - 2.5★
🏁 Arctic Sun - Annabeth Albert 5★
🏁 Asylum, (Pride & Joy) - Robert Winter - 5++★
🏁 Every Breath You Take - (Pride & Joy) - Robert Winter - 5★
🏁 Heartstopper Volume One - Alice Oseman -5★
🏁 Two Feet Under - Charlie Cochrane -5★
🏁 Jury of One - Charlie Cochrane - 4.5★
🏁 Blood Water Falls - TG Reid -4★
🏁 Whiskey & Wry - Rhys Ford -5★
🏁 Tequila Mockingbird - Rhys Ford -5★
🏁 Lying Eyes - Robert Winter -4.5★
🏁 Sloe Ride - Rhys Ford - 5★
🏁 Absinthe of Malice- Rhys Ford - 4★
🏁 Let Me Live- Kate Bold - 3★
🏁 Conflict of Interest - Zahra Owens - 5★
🏁 Convergence Zone - Elle Keaton - 5★
🏁 Sin and Tonic - Rhys Ford -5★
🏁 The Grave Between Us - Tal Bauer - 5★

The Ghosts of Marlow House - Bobbi Holmes -(Oregon)
Haunting Danielle Series Book #1
2.5★
When Danielle Boatman inherits Marlow House, she dreams of turning it into a seaside bed and breakfast. Since she’s never visited the property, Danielle’s not sure what awaits her in Oregon. She certainly doesn’t expect to find one of the house’s previous owners still in residence. After all, the man has been dead for almost ninety years—shouldn’t he have moved on by now? Charming Walt Marlow convinces Danielle the only way he can move on is if she solves the mystery of his death. Danielle soon discovers her real problems may come from the living—those who have their sights on Marlow House’s other secrets.

Not a glowing start to the new month of reading:) I wanted to like this book...after all, I am “The Ghost Story Junkie”. I love ghost stories but this one just didn’t do it for me. I believe that the author was going for an entirely different story than what she got in the end. The idea had promise but the theme that the author started with became lost somewhere in the mixed-up storyline that contained so many grammar and punctuation errors I lost count. I gave the book a reluctant 2.5 stars because I felt that most of the errors were probably not entirely, if at all, the author’s fault. Some copywrite editor should be ashamed of themselves to allow this to go to press like this. The story needed some “first aid” ...like some red herrings thrown into the plot and less of the early reveals that should have been left until later in the story before being shown to us. Some of the coincidences were simply unnecessary. It appeared to almost be an attempt to rack up word count. We also didn’t need a full run-down in every new chapter of everything that had previously happened. Another attempt for word count. The only thing that all of this did was make the book become very much less of a real ghost story and more of an off the wall romance...which really didn’t work well either.

Nudge – Richard H Thaler & Cass R Sunstein
Digital audiobook read by Lloyd James.
3***

Subtitle: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness

Thaler and Sunstein are professors specializing in Behavioral Economics. This work explores the ways in which decision options are presented to achieve the result the designer hopes for … i.e. the nudges.

I found much of this very interesting and kept thinking of incidents in recent years that pointed out how such nudges were beneficial. Certainly, my parents nudged my saving habits, even though they never studied economics. But not all nudges are beneficial. The book also made me aware of the nudges that I need to be mindful of. (Extended warranties? Uh, no.)

I had to laugh when reading the updated section at the end, and they reported that the single example that got the most attention was the fly in the urinals at Schiphol airport! I’ve been thinking hard about how I might replicate their results to nudge my husband to put the dirty dishes IN the dishwasher vs just on the counter right above the dishwasher.

The digital audiobook I listened to most was read by Lloyd James. He does a fine job, but much of the material is rather dry, and of course, the listener misses the graphs and illustrations. My local library’s CD version was narrated by Sean Pratt. A fellow book club member listened to a version narrated by Richard Thaler.

The Nightmare Room - Chris Sorensen - (Iowa)
The Messy Man Series Book #1
3.5★
Possible Trigger Warning: The horror is sometimes very intense.
New York audiobook narrator Peter Larson and his wife Hannah head to his hometown of Maple City to help Peter's ailing father and to put a recent tragedy behind them. Though the small, Midwestern town seems the idyllic place to start afresh, Peter and Hannah will soon learn that evil currents flow beneath its surface. They move into an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town—a house purchased by Peter's father at auction and kept secret until now—and start to settle into their new life. But as Peter sets up his recording studio in a small basement room, disturbing things begin to occur—mysterious voices haunt audio tracks, malevolent shadows creep about the house. And when an insidious presence emerges from the woodwork, Peter must face old demons in order to save his family and himself.

We meet Peter and Hannah. The young couple are still coming to terms with the tragic death of their son, Michael. Peter's mother and father are moved into a nursing home due to their failing health, and Peter and Hannah move back to Peter's home town to try and start afresh. Because of some details that I didn’t really understand, and red tape, they are unable to move into Peter's family home but are instead offered an old farmhouse that Peter's dad owned. Hannah immediately gets a job in the local bar. Peter is less excited by the prospect of living there and feels there is something definitely “off” about the place...as though his presence has awoken something terrifying... and has it ever!!! The first half of the story is a slow burn. We only see glimpses of the terror that we know is about to come. The scares really start in the second half. By now Peter is almost a bonafide basket case. He sees and hears someone walking around. Checking finds of course no one is there. He begins to have creepy dreams...but are they dreams at all? He sees someone literally coming out of the woodwork. It's all going downhill fast for our Peter, but he doesn’t want to worry Hannah. He has yet to speak about what he’s seen and heard or asked Hannah what, if anything she has experienced. This was a great piece of horror. The root of the story and the characters are clearly shown in a reality that the reader can easily place themselves into, making the frights all the more horrible and personal for the reader.

Blood of Elves
Andrzej Sapkowski
4/5 stars
Queen Calanthe commits suicide during an attack on the capital city and her granddaughter, Ciri manages to flee from the burning capital. Emhyr var Emreis, Imperator of Nilfgaard, has sent his people to find her. Young Ciri is wanted because of her royal blood, but she also has elven blood and possibly will be able to perform magic. Geralt of Rivia, a witcher vows to find and protect her. Exciting!

The Children on The Hill - Jennifer McMahon - (Vermont)
4★
1978: At her renowned treatment center in picturesque Vermont, the brilliant psychiatrist, Dr. Helen Hildreth, is acclaimed for her compassionate work with the mentally ill. But when she’s home with her cherished grandchildren, Vi and Eric, she’s just Gran—teaching them how to take care of their pets, preparing them home-cooked meals, providing them with care and attention and love. Then one day Gran brings home a child to stay with the family. Iris—silent, hollow-eyed, skittish, and feral—does not behave like a normal girl. Still, Violet is thrilled to have a new playmate. She and Eric invite Iris to join their Monster Club, where they catalogue all kinds of monsters and dream up ways to defeat them. Before long, Iris begins to come out of her shell. She and Vi and Eric do everything together: ride their bicycles, go to the drive-in, meet at their clubhouse in secret to hunt monsters. Because, as Vi explains, monsters are everywhere.

2019: Lizzy Shelley, the host of the popular podcast Monsters Among Us, is traveling to Vermont, where a young girl has been abducted, and a monster sighting has the town in an uproar. She’s determined to hunt it down, because Lizzy knows better than anyone that monsters are real—and one of them is her very own sister.

I have loved everything that this author has ever written. Again, she has created an incredibly engaging story that changes and grows more involved as you read. This is not particularly a “ghost story...it’s more of a monster story. The character of Violet was outstanding. She is more adult-like than like a 13-year-old. When Dr. Hildreth, the grandmother, brings a young patient home, the children are both fascinated and repelled by Iris...especially the raised scars she hides under her hat. Iris has clearly suffered and survived some great trauma. Violet treats her like a sister but reports everything Iris tells her, which quickly backfires. The story skips ahead 40 years at about this point. We begin to learn the “secrets” and the story takes a big twist...but don’t think for one minute that you have it all figured out. Now enters Lizzy Shelley, a researcher and podcaster who has recently entered the public eye by consulting on the TV show "Monsters Among Us", follows a lead that brings her close to a monster she’s been seeking for some time...a monster that abducts young girls while hiding behind the local legends. A monster who is leading her back to Vermont and the Hillside Inn. The 4-star rating came about because even though I really liked the story and love this author, the book is a patchwork of many different voices and styles that is sometimes difficult to follow, especially when being told in the voice of the “Monster” herself. I also didn’t feel the question of “who is the real monster”, was never really answered. With Vi, Eric, Iris, and Helen’s story that took place in 1978...Lizzy’s search succeed in building real chills and a surprising twist. Those that need a great deal of order in their stories may find this a bit off-putting.

Once Gone - Blake Pierce - (Virginia)
Riley Page series Book #1
1★
Women are turning up dead in the rural outskirts of Virginia, killed in grotesque ways, and when the FBI is called in, they are stumped. A serial killer is out there, his frequency increasing, and they know there is only one agent good enough to crack this case: Special Agent Riley Paige. Riley is on paid leave herself, recovering from her encounter with her last serial killer, and, fragile as she is, the FBI is reluctant to tap her brilliant mind. Yet Riley, needing to battle her own demons, comes on board, and her hunt leads her through the disturbing subculture of doll collectors, into the homes of broken families, and into the darkest canals of the killer’s mind. As Riley peels back the layers, she realizes she is up against a killer more twisted than she could have imagined. In a frantic race against time, she finds herself pushed to her limit, her job on the line, her own family in danger, and her fragile psyche collapsing. Yet once Riley Paige takes on a case, she will not quit. It obsesses her, leading her to the darkest corners of her own mind, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. After a series of unexpected twists, her instincts lead her to a shocking climax that even Riley could not have imagined.

This is not starting out to be a spectacular reading month for me...or maybe I am becoming too critical. At any rate the 1 star I gave this mystery (???), police procedural (???) ...again, was extremely generous. Meet Riley Paige...Special Agent with the FBI and her p_ _ _ _ _whipped, lapdog partner, Bill. We learn right away that the case was given to Riley because "she is the best agent the FBI has", or...to hear them tell it...EVER HAD! If that's truly the case...Heaven Help Us ALL!!! I'm pretty sure that she hates the entire male gender. She spent 75% of her time handcuffing and questioning men that had done nothing wrong except be born male and breath air. I borrowed a thought from another reviewer that expressed my feelings for this book SOOOO much better than I could and I totally 150% agree with. "She had the sole authority to assault, arrest, and violate the rights of anyone she might FEEL to be guilty with impunity makes this more of a super-hero comic book than a legitimate novel for adult readers." Thank you, Steve...whoever you may be, for summing this up so beautifully. I also liked the reviewer that suggested it be read in the bathroom and the pages used for an entirely different purpose.

Next of Kin: My Conversations with Chimpanzees / Roger Fouts
4.5 stars

Roger Fouts was a psychology student in the late 1960s when he got a job helping with a chimpanzee, Washoe, to study whether or not chimps could learn human language by way of ASL (American Sign Language). Despite that he really wanted/planned to work with kids, this began decades of research with, then activism for, chimpanzees. He and his family (wife and eventually three kids) moved where Washoe was either sent or where was best for her. Roger was unable to help many other chimpanzees he met along with way (though he was able to help a few), but (often with Jane Goodall’s help), he fought to make living conditions for chimpanzees used in research in the U.S. better.

He was still fighting for changes in 1997 when the book was published, but on checking today, things have gotten better – not for all chimps, but for many (most?). There were a few sections in the book where he was talking about research and studies that got just a bit dry, but for the most part, I loved reading about the chimps and the studies and was (to no surprise) horrified at what he saw in the medical research labs. Whether in my psychology or anthropology classes 30ish years ago, I had heard of both Fouts and Washoe, as well as many of the other scientists and studies Fouts mentions in this book. I went through a bunch of emotions reading this book – happiness, sadness, anger... I love that he ended up being an activist, and wanted(s) to see change. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read this book!

>4 BookConcierge: Ok, did the elephant on the cover attract you to this one? It's what convinced me to read your review (though obviously based on subtitle, it does not feature elephants). Ah... looks like it might have been a book club book?

The Camel's Back/ Kill List - Brian Shea - (Connecticut)
A Nick Lawrence Novel
5★
FBI Special Agent Nick Lawrence has just transferred to the bank robbery unit based out of Connecticut’s New Haven field office. Near his breaking point after the recent death of his father, he makes the move to care for his aging mother. Declan Enright, former police officer recently fired over a controversial shooting, has reached his own breaking point. Confronted with insurmountable financial burdens in the wake of his early termination, Declan is desperate for a way to provide for his wife and three daughters. Tapping into an elite skill set forged during his time as a Navy special warfare operator and using the insider knowledge of a former police officer, Declan crosses the threshold and commits the perfect crime. Nick is assigned to the case, and begins closing in. But when a series of terrorist attacks rattles the nation, the two men find their fates intertwined. And the only way to prevent the next attack is to work together.

I loved, respected and rooted for the two main characters. If you are a reader that demands that the line between right and wrong remain clear and defined, you may have some minor problems with this one. If you can see that sometimes the situation begs the line to be slightly blurred... then read on. You can tell that the author has had law enforcement experience or else was very close with someone that had, almost from the start of the book. My retired cop says it was "right on". Whatever the experience...it has obviously aided him in writing a believable police procedural with outstanding, and true situations and encounters between the suspects and the police. I don't think there are enough adjectives to describe this story, so I'll just choose "Fantastic". It's a sensational story in every possible way. Opps...another adjective.

Arctic Sun - Annabeth Albert - (Alaska) Reread
Frozen Hearts series Book #1
5★
Ex-military mountain man Griffin Barrett likes his solitude. It keeps him from falling back into old habits. Bad habits. He’s fought too hard for his sobriety to lose control now. However, his gig as a wildlife guide presents a new kind of temptation in superhot supermodel River Vale. Nothing the Alaskan wilderness has to offer has ever called to Griffin so badly. And that can only lead to trouble… River has his own methods for coping. Chasing adventure means always moving forward. Nobody’s ever made him want to stand still—until Griffin. The rugged bush pilot is the very best kind of distraction, but the emotions he stirs up in River feel anything but casual, and he’s in no position to stay put. With temptation lurking in close quarters, keeping even a shred of distance is a challenge neither’s willing to meet. And the closer Griffin gets to River, the easier it is to ignore every last reason he should run.

The first half of the book takes places during a very special nature photography tour in Alaska, and the descriptions made me feel like I was in the heart of Alaska. River and Griff were fighting so hard to NOT be attracted to one another as both men had had problems in their past and were more than leery of inviting more even though their hearts say to go for it. It’s a beautiful story of love and healing. I love the depth that Annabeth Albert puts into her characters, and this book did not in any way disappoint in character development. It does seem to be a bit slower than her other books. That said, the story was full of deep feels and excellent plotting that made a heartwarming story in which River and Griffin learn to accept themselves and each other as they are

Buried - C. J. Carmichael - (Oregon)
Twisted Cedars Mysteries Book #1
3★
Justice is overdue in the coastal town of Twisted Cedars where two unsolved mysteries lay buried in the past. Over thirty years ago a series of murders targeting Oregon librarians was never solved. Now someone with inside knowledge is feeding clues to true crime writer Dougal Lachlan, promising him the best story of his career. Pursuing the leads means returning to Twisted Cedars, where his sister Jamie is about to marry a man, he deeply dislikes. Local Twisted Cedars librarian Charlotte Hammond prefers her mysteries—and her romances—between the covers of a good book, especially since the disappearance of her older sister, Daisy, eight years ago. But then the dark and tortured soul who is Dougal Lachlan walks into the Twisted Cedars Library asking for her help. Before long Charlotte realizes there is no safe zone. Not even in libraries...and especially not in Twisted Cedars.

Even though it’s part of a trilogy, it does work well as a standalone...but know in advance that you will have to get book #2 to see how this one ends. I didn’t know this at the time I got the book, and I wasn’t thrilled about it. I will probably get book 2 & 3, as I figure book 3 will also have to tag along if the reader wants to know how the entire thing ends. Oh, well, I need more books to go with the other thousand or so that I already have. The story brings us to a small town where we soon learn that this is not their first whodunit. It sems that the little town has had decades of mysterious happenings, including several murders. I can’t imagine what could possibly be more perfect for a mystery...unless it was the complete story in the same book.

The Lifeguards - Amanda Eyre Ward - (Texas)
4.5★
Austin’s Zilker Park neighborhood is a wonderland of greenbelt trails, live music, and moms who drink a few too many margaritas. Whitney, Annette, and Liza have grown thick as thieves as they have raised their children together for fifteen years, believing that they can shelter them their children from an increasingly dangerous world. Their friendship is unbreakable—as safe as the neighborhood where they've raised their sweet little boys. Or so they think. One night, the three women have been enjoying happy hour when their boys, lifeguards for the summer, come back on bicycles from a late-night dip in their favorite swimming hole. The boys share a secret—news that will shatter the perfect world their mothers have so painstakingly created.

The story is told in the voices of three mothers, with chapters also told by their three teenage sons. In spite of the humor and musings you know that these are some seriously frightened women. I have read some other books by this author, and I have found the same topic thread runs through most every one of her "people on paper". What I have found both amazing, and refreshing is how well she handles allowing them to face issues such as immigration, illness, alcoholism, suicide, guilt, family trauma, loneliness, and estrangement. She allows them to be petty, make the wrong choices again and again, fail badly, but then she picks them up, dusts them off, and has them try again. On this first night of a Texas summer the three boys find the body of a woman near their swimming hole. Something seems off about the boys’ story about finding the body, and as the police investigate and the mother's contact lawyers, each must decide between her friendship with the other mothers and her family. The more they discover...the more they wish they hadn't. Amanda Ward did a creditable job of keeping her readers guessing while providing some twists and coincidences. I seldom recommend books since everyone has diverse interest and tastes, but this one is worthy of a recommendation to anyone that likes mysteries, police procedurals and family trauma.

The Thief Lord - Cordelia Fune -(Italy)
2.5★
Prosper and Bo are orphans on the run from their cruel aunt and uncle. The brothers decide to hide out in Venice, where they meet a mysterious thirteen-year-old who calls himself the "Thief Lord." Brilliant and charismatic, the Thief Lord leads a ring of street children who dabble in petty crimes. Prosper and Bo delight in being part of this colorful new family. But the Thief Lord has secrets of his own. Soon the boys are thrust into circumstances that will lead them to a fantastic, spellbinding conclusion.

I read this book after my 9-year-old little friend that sometimes sits and reads with me and brings all her books for me to look over got this from her school library. I love hearing her tell me all about what she's read when she finishes. This time she wasn't her usual enthusiastic self about sharing this story so I asked her if I could read it. I found the book problematic on several levels. One...it's a book marketed for 10–12-year-old children and it seemed that the entire theme of the book is based on the boy known as The Thief Lord and his habits of stealing and how enthralled with him the two boys were that was with him. The second thing that bothered me was that none of the adults in the book seemed to want to confront him on it or question him in any way. The boys thought he was some kind of hero because he did whatever he wanted and also was capable of magic that was seldom used for anything good. The story is very slow to get started, and the promised fantasy element doesn't appear until the last 75 pages. There's little emotional involvement, and the rest of the story just meanders. There are adults in the book but none of them ring true or behave like any adult you've ever met would when met with two young runaways and a kid that is a thief even if he does know magic. The amorality of the children, and the author, was a concern. I asked my little friend what she liked about the story if anything, and she, in honest 9-year-old fashion, admitted she was quiet taken with the adults letting the children do whatever they wanted with complete freedom and no punishment. Noone dared to bother them, and they weren't told to clean their room or to go to school. That also worried me slightly until she admitted that she didn't think the way they behaved was right and they should have been in trouble and been sent to their room.

A Stir of Echoes
Richard Matheson
4/5 stars
Tom Wallace was an easy going man with a wife and a son. At a party, he was hypnotized and now he is having headaches but he can also hear people’s thoughts and he starts seeing aberrations. Why is this happening to him and is he and his family in danger because of this. Compelling!

>16 JulieLill: I have seen the movie but didn't know it was based on a book. I'll have to check it out.

>17 genesisdiem: Funny. I left Julie a post on another group that we both belong to saying that I hadn't read the book but had watched the movie at least a hundred times. I loved the movie...but then I do watch weird stuff:)

>
Bloody Valentine - James Patterson
3★
This year Valentine's Day isn't for romance. It's for murder. Mega rich restaurant owner Jack Barnes and his second wife Zee are very much in love. However, their plans for Valentine's Day are about to be torn apart by the most violent murder. Who is the strange figure plotting this sick crime? Who hates Jack that much? There are plenty of suspects living in Jack's fancy block of flats. Is it them, or could it be the work of an outsider with a twisted mind? One thing's for sure, the police have got their work cut out solving this bloody mess.

It's a "Quick Reads" book so it's not the usual length nor does it have the details that we are used to with James Patterson's books...but, I got it for free, and it was a fairly good little murder mystery written by an author that I like and have a great deal of respect for after having met him. There was still a murder...still suspects that might have committed the murder for the reader to sort, and still a satisfying solution to the murder. Just different but still enjoyable.

>10 LibraryCin: Yes .. a book club book. I would never have picked it up otherwise ... EVEN with the elephant on the cover.

Eye Of the Needle – Ken Follett
Book on CD narrated by Eric Lincoln and performed by a full cast.
4.5****
From the book jacket: One enemy spy knows the secret to the Allies' greatest deception, a brilliant aristocrat and ruthless assassin -- code name: "The Needle" -- who holds the key to ultimate Nazi victory. Only one person stands in his way: a lonely Englishwoman on an isolated island, who is beginning to love the killer who has mysteriously entered her life.
My reactions:
Wow. Just, WOW.

Fast-paced and engaging, this was Follett’s first successful endeavor as a novelist; he wrote it when he was only 27 years old!

Follet uses three story arcs which converge in a heart-stopping scenario. He begins with Henry Faber, the pseudonym used by the German spy known as The Needle, and quickly shows the reader just how determined, ruthless and dangerous this man is. Then he starts the story of Percival Godliman, an aging professor of history, with a background the British want to employ to help them catch spies, and Detective Inspector Bloggs, who will act as Godliman’s man on the ground during the big chase. And finally the third side of the triangle: Lucy, a young woman about to be married and embark on the life of a war bride. Follet continues to craft the story moving from one story line to the other, keeping the reader off balance and eager to find out more. Virtually every chapter ends in a cliffhanger.

The audiobook is much like a radio drama. Erik Lincoln narrates the story, but each time there is dialogue, internal or external, the character is played by a different, talented voice artist. I found it a little off-putting at first, but quickly grew used to it, and I found it really entertaining in the end.

>17 genesisdiem: I don't think I saw this movie so I put a hold on it at the library.

Shiver -Allie Reynolds -(France)
4.5
When Milla accepts an off-season invitation to Le Rocher, a cozy ski resort in the French Alps, she's expecting an intimate weekend of catching up with four old friends. It might have been a decade since she saw them last, but she's never forgotten the bond they forged on this very mountain during a winter spent fiercely training for an elite snowboarding competition. Yet no sooner do Milla and the others arrive for the reunion than they realize something is horribly wrong. The resort is deserted. The cable cars that delivered them to the mountaintop have stopped working. Their cell phones--missing. And inside the hotel, detailed instructions await them: an icebreaker game, designed to draw out their secrets. A game meant to remind them of Saskia, the enigmatic sixth member of their group, who vanished the morning of the competition years before and has long been presumed dead. Stranded in the resort, Milla's not sure what's worse: the increasingly sinister things happening around her or the looming snowstorm that's making escape even more impossible. All she knows is that there's no one on the mountain she can trust.

We start out with meeting eight Olympic-hopeful snowboarders who spend a winter training together at a French resort. The winter ends disastrously with one of them missing and presumed dead, and another crippled in a horrific accident. The trauma splits the group apart with almost no contact between them afterwards. Fast forward 10 years ...five of them arrive for an off-season reunion at the mountaintop resort. Once there they discover they’re really, really alone. The cable car and phones are disabled, the emergency radios are missing, and the person(s) they thought organized the reunion are denying it. Then a strange Icebreaker game suggests one of them is a killer…and that they may not be alone after all. The author does a great job getting you invested in her characters. You have good reasons to suspect each, but at the same time you don’t want it to be any of them because you’ve come to care about them and like them. They’re all broken in some way by the events that happened ten years ago. It keeps you off balance throughout the book. The author, Allie Reynolds knows what she’s writing about. She knows the area; and she knows the sport since having been a former top ten UK snowboarder herself...all allowing her to create a story that takes you in and places you in the chalet with the characters and maybe also a killer.

Cults: Inside the World's Most Notorious Groups... / Max Cutler
3.5 stars

This book, based on a podcast(?), looks at ten cults and their leaders. Only three were ones I knew of, including Charles Manson, Jim Jones, and David Koresh (though I hadn’t ever read anything about Koresh previously). Unexpectedly, there were two that included UFOs! There was plenty of murder to go along with these cults. (Only) one of the leaders walked away from the carnage she left behind. I was interested to read about an actress who was highly involved with one cult. The cults were in various parts of the world, including Mexico, Uganda, Canada, and of course, the USA. (I hadn’t even heard of the guy in Canada – from Quebec – and he was twisted!).

I had hoped to learn more about how people end up following these crazy people, but the book was more a short biography of each of the leaders, in addition to the stories of their respective cults and what happened – how they formed, the people that followed them, and how they combusted. Similar to a book of short stories, I found some more interesting than others.

How the Penguins Saved Veronica – Hazel Prior
Digital audiobook performed by Helen Lloyd, Andrew Fallaize, and Mandy Williams.
3.5***

Veronica McCreedy is an eighty-five-year-old woman living alone in her large home in Ayrshire, Scotland. She’s estranged from her family, and has a testy relationship with her housekeeper Eileen. She’s set in her ways and feels entitled to live her life as she pleases. She’s recently discovered that she has a grandson, but when she decides to visit him, she finds him less than desirable; Patrick is mostly unemployed and a frequent marijuana smoker. Veronica is not about to leave her millions to a drug-addled bum! A documentary she sees about scientists’ efforts to save penguins in Antarctica captures her attention. So, she decides to visit the scientists and see their work up close and personal before leaving them her millions.

The plot is outlandish and unrealistic but completely engaging and heart-warming. Veronica reminds me of many other cranky, outspoken elderly main characters (Ove and Olive Kitteridge to name two). She’s not about to lie down and die, though she recognizes that her time is growing short, and she’ll damn well do whatever she pleases in the meantime. She’s opinionated, rigid, and without tact. But she’s also a caring person, whose maternal instincts – in this case – are stirred by a tiny orphan penguin chick she names Patrick (and later, Pip). I just fell in love with her and was cheering her on. I felt outrage on her behalf when learning about how she had been treated in her youth. No wonder she walled off her heart.

The experts in the Antarctic hardly know what to do with her, but they DO need that grant, and they try their best to shelter Veronica from the worst effects of the harsh conditions under which they work and live.

Everyone learns a lesson or two about cooperation and teamwork, and about opening one’s heart to the possibility of love.

The audiobook is performed by a trio of talented voice artists. The bring these characters to life.

The book was originally published in the United Kingdom under the title Away With the Penguins.

Buried Passions - Andrew Grey - (Pennsylvania)
5★
When Broadway actor Jonah receives word that his uncle has passed away and named him the heir to a property in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Jonah’s plan is to settle the estate as quickly as possible and return to his life in New York City. Much to Jonah’s surprise, the inheritance includes the Ashford Cemetery―and its hunky groundskeeper, recent Bosnian immigrant Luka Pavelka. Jonah soon discovers Luka is more than easy on the eyes. He sees into Jonah’s heart like no man ever before, and his job at the cemetery is all he has. If Jonah sells, Luka is left with nothing. Luka is there for Jonah when Jonah needs someone most, and there’s no denying the chemistry and connection between them. But Jonah has a successful career back in New York. Now he must decide if it’s still the life he wants.

I call Andrew Grey my "comfort muse". Everything he writes contains such loving, unique, and sweetly moving stories with characters that you want to see find their happy ever after as soon as you meet them. Well...he's gone and done it again. Meet Jonah who is torn between his new inheritance from his uncle, his acting career in New York, and the guy he has fallen almost instantly in love with, Luka. Luka is a deeply honest but guilt-ridden Bosnian immigrant who wants/needs, to take care of someone, and Jonah appears to be more than willing to oblige. The twist and turns of this story dealt with not only family shunning and secrets but hope and joy in the newness of starting over with someone that shares your hopes and dreams...but most of all loves you with every breath they take.

Footsteps In The Dark - Josh Lanyon and 7 other M/M/ authors
4.25 Stars average for all 8 stories.
The snick of a lock. The squeak of door hinges. The creak of a floorboard...Nothing is more mysterious than footsteps in the dark. Are those approaching steps that of friend or enemy? Lover or killer?

808 pages of 8 M/M romance stories available by authors that are almost all some my favorites. I bought the book from Amazon for $7.75...today its $29.95 so I feel that I really got the best of the best deal here. Most all were authors that I have read and reread...but I had never read any of these stories. For being advertised being all short stories, they are all more than decent in length, so I didn’t feel cheated in any way.

Entrée to Murder - Nicole Kimberling - (Washington) - I had not read anything by this author before so I was looking forward to seeing how she was going to handle the body in the basement. I would have called this one a cozy mystery...which I’m not a real fan of. Chef and restaurant owner Drew Allison and Police Deputy Mac MacKenzie investigates a dead body that turns up in the basement of Drew’s restaurant. I thought that the police dwelled on making Drew feel that he was their only suspect for way too long. And really didn’t do much to find the real killer...but it had a satisfactory ending so it will get 3.5 Stars

Twelve Seconds - Meg Perry – (Florida) - A different type mystery that took place in my home state of Florida at Cape Kennedy. Austin Harris is a space reporter and Air Force Special Agent Greg Marcotte ...he says “it’s Air Force NCIS”, investigate a mysterious rocket explosion and a dead body found in an alligator. Being originally from Florida, I didn’t find that hard to believe at all. I liked the connection of the two main characters...and even though they hit it off right away that wasn’t too odd either. “We’re into each other and so we start dating.” Guess that says it all. It was one of my favorites...so 5 stars

Reality Bites - S.C. Wynne - (California) – Odd...neither either Detective Cabot Decker or the reality TV producer, Jax Thornburn seemed to be really upset that their contestant had been mauled to death by a tiger on the set of a reality-TV show that Dax was MC for. The contestants receive a huge amount of money if they spend the night alone with some kind of animal. The two of them seem much more interested in sniping at each other and then checking each other out …several times. The policing was very unrealistic. Would there not be someone from the show somewhere in the vicinity on a reality TV show? Especially one that has a person encounter something that would happily place you on the menu either as the main course or a midnight snack. In the end I could ignore all that and I really liked the chemistry between the cop and the producer, and I never guessed the killer...even though the tiger was being framed for it. 4.Stars

Blind Man’s Bluff - L.B. Gregg –This was one of my favorites. It reads more like a suspense story than a mystery. I thought at first that these were teenagers but then was surprised to find out they were teachers. I NEVER had a teacher that would have been this much fun. Tommy Cline and Jonah Theroux are part of a group of friends that get together on weekends. They go to different abandoned, or out of the way places to play urban warrior games, The fun on this weekend is a local abandoned mall for a game of capture the flag. Tommy is more interested in capturing his friend and fellow teacher, Jonah who he has wanted “more” from for some time. Their fun time comes to a sudden halt when a bound young boy crashes into Tommy from the floor above. They now find themselves on the run from a psycho who has made this mall his home base for his own particular kind of games. I was excited about this one. Then nothing really happened. The story was set up to have the psycho really didn’t turn out like the story was set up for him to, and I was a bit disappointed. I think it need to be a longer story. It wasn’t bad and I did like the characters so - 4.5 stars.

A Country for Old Men - Dal MacLean - (Scotland) - This was probably my least favorite story but my most favorite two main characters. Way too many Gaelic words...but then it did take place in Scotland...so that won’t affect my rating. The two main characters had been former lovers and I believe me I wanted them to take up again! Actually, their back-and-forth play was a good part of the story. Set on the Isle of Lewis in the Scottish Hebrides we meet Calum Macleod, an inspector with the island’s small police force. We have a murder as well as an ancient chessman that holds some power that I didn’t quite understand but it aided in combining history with culture that was thousands of years old. Another thing that I didn’t understand was the letters, that someone kept sending to Calum. They were never explained very well and seemed to not matter to any of the story. It was a short story that actually turned into a longer story than was necessary. I did absolutely 100% love the ending so it will get 4 stars instead of the 3 stars I was going to give it.

Pepper the Crime Lab - Z. A. Maxwell - (California) - Lonnie, a restaurant owner, and chef, is recovering from an illness and while off work he moves into an apartment. Before he’s even unpacked, his neighbor, who isn’t liked by any of the other residents, is murdered with one of Lonnie’s knives. You know who the police are convinced is the chief suspect...but they have no proof or any reasoning for the crime except for the knife. Everyone in this complex has a dog...including the dead guy. Since Lonnie only dreams of the “perfect” dog he’s going to have one day...the neighbors talk him into taking “Pepper”, the dead neighbor’s dog. He is determined that he is only: fostering” Pepper until someone takes her in. Of course, things work out differently for all. It wasn’t a high-end favorite but it would fall into a possible reread sometime. Cute guys and a really cute dog...so 4 stars

Lights, Camera, Murder - C.S. Poe – (New York) - C.S. Poe is already one of my favorite M/M romance authors. I’ve read and reread several times her Snow & Winter series...so I was prepared to love anything by her. Rory Byrne is a Private Investigator whose client is a TV Producer that I hated from the first words out of mouth and continued throughout the entire story. Rory’s assignment is to figure out who stole a script from the set. He was told first thing not to talk to “The Talent” but he had to talk to everyone if he was going to solve this case...and no one had told “The Talent” not to talk to him. The star, Marion is more than a bit attracted to Rory and Rory returns the attraction...but Marion IS “THE Talent” in capital letters. - Of course, love is love and always wins so Marion and Rory are a pair but not yet a couple...and time is getting short. I didn’t think the person with the script was very well represented...but it fit the storyline. I’ve read much better by this author, but this is a short story and it’s a welcome part of my $7.75 bargain so...4 stars

Stranger in the House -Josh Lanyon – (Canada) - Josh Lanyon is one of my all-time favorite authors of any genre. I have read almost everything she has ever written and loved every single word. I would read the telephone book if she put her name on it as to having written it. Short stories for her are as easy to catch the reader attention with as full-length books. Miles Tuesday is an art teacher whose Godmother left him a mansion in Montreal....and, SUPRISE, a cemetery. That was fine until he arrives and finds Linley Palmer, his godmother’s son and his former “wanna be/almost” boyfriend. is there and things are happening that have no explanation except perhaps that Linley might be behind them...or, the mansion is no as empty as he had originally thought. Hey, It’s Josh Lanyon... so 5 stars without question.

The Secrets They Keep- Emerald O'Brien
Knox and Shappard series Book #2
3★
They vowed to love each other forever… When a dead body is discovered outside the Tall Pines reception hall, Detective Grace Sheppard is called to the scene. Searching for the truth among deceitful suspects and within herself, Grace struggles when her professional relationship becomes muddled with attraction. They swore nothing would come between them… As Grace races to find a killer, a personal vendetta is formed when her sister, Madigan Knox, becomes obsessed with a traumatic event from her past. Madigan’s hunt leads her closer to the truth than she has ever been and further away from the person who loves her the most. But promises are broken, and the secrets they keep threaten their lives. Both sisters are willing to find their culprits at any cost, but will the price of secrets and revenge be their demise?

Maybe it was just me, but i really couldn't get into this. It started out slow and for me, it just never picked up. About the time I thought it was starting to, it went off into past events again that had happened with the two sisters when they were children. By the time it returned to the current day story...I was just past caring. The story had crime, a mystery and action...some of the things that I need to be in a good mystery...and I can't even say that it wasn't well written. I bet anyone with more patience and tolerance than I have will probably be crazy about it. I'm not writing it off. I may try it again some other time.

The Gray and Guilty Sea -Scott William Carter - (Oregon)
Garrison Gage series Book #1
5★
A curmudgeon. An iconoclast. A loner. That's how people describe Garrison Gage, and that's when they're being charitable. After his wife's brutal murder in New York, and Gage himself is beaten nearly to death, the hobbled private investigator retreats three thousand miles to the quaint coastal town of Barnacle Bluffs, Oregon. He spends the next five years in a convalescent stupor, content to bide his time filling out crossword puzzles and trying to forget that his wife's death is his fault. But all that changes when he discovers the body of a young woman washed up on the beach, and his conscience draws him back into his old occupation - forcing him to confront the demons of his own guilt before he can hope to solve the girl's murder.

New author, new series for me. I feel extremely grateful for a worker at my library to have recommended this author and lucky to have easily found it with the help of my best friend, “Mr. Amazon”. We meet Gage, who is a private investigator and seems to be living under the guise of a tragic hero. You feel sorry for him as he suffers physically and mentally while pursuing the girl's killer but then you have to admire his determination to push on. The tale is believable and so very well-written. Carter has made excellent use of many of the things that make the setting real and easily imagined by the reader with the words he chose to describe this area of Oregan...the late winter followed by the early spring and the rest of the Oregon coast weather throughout the entire story. The book draws the reader in and holds you until the last sentence with its complicated characters and great plot line. I will warn those that are not willing to tolerate writers that make copious use of the "F" word in their work that this book is a cornucopia of them...otherwise a really good book.

Sinner’s Gin Rhy Ford - (California)
Sinner’s Gin series Book #1
There’s a dead body in Miki St. John’s vintage Pontiac GTO, and he has no idea how it got there. After Miki survives the tragic accident that killed his best friend and the other members of their band, Sinner’s Gin, all he wants is to hide from the world in the refurbished warehouse he bought before their last tour. But when the man who sexually abused him as a boy is killed and his remains are dumped in Miki’s car, Miki fears Death isn’t done with him yet. Kane Morgan, the SFPD inspector renting space in the art co-op next door, initially suspects Miki had a hand in the man’s murder, but Kane soon realizes Miki is as much a victim as the man splattered inside the GTO. As the murderer’s body count rises, the attraction between Miki and Kane heats up. Neither man knows if they can make a relationship work, but despite Miki’s emotional damage, Kane is determined to teach him how to love and be loved—provided, of course, Kane can catch the killer before Miki becomes the murderer’s final victim.

I don’t know when I have found characters that I reacted so to as much as Kane Morgan and his big Irish family of cops. I loved how they respected and treated one another and how they welcomed Miki St. John into their home and hearts when the people that abused him as a boy were hunting and trying to kill him. The Morgan’s never questioned it when their second son, Kane, said that Miki was someone very special to him... “I love him more than the next beat of my heart or the next breath I will take”, is how he said it, and how tirelessly he and his partner worked to try and stop the killing and further destruction of Miki’s remaining world, is how he proved it. Life had left Miki a tortured soul. He had previously found a sense of home and family with the band “Sinner’s Gin.” On the way home, after they had won a Grammy Award, a terrible car accident happened that left Miki as the sole survivor. He was alone, he was struggling, and he was simply lost. Then Kane Morgan enters his life ...a cop, from a family of cops, and he’s strong and steady, and willing to be Miki’s anchor and much more. The romance between the two of them is beautiful and honest. I thought that the story was well written, and for me it was a background to Miki’s path to peace and Kane’s growing adoration. I had two favorite parts...one is when Kane rattles off all the little things he knows about Miki, making it so clear that every little part of Miki is important to him no matter how small, and that he is loved. The second one was when Kane’s father and Miki talk about life, and what real love means while just the two of them are making lunch. I found this first book by accident, but I will diffidently find the second book on purpose.

Blood Water Falls - TG Reid -(Scotland)
DCI Bone series Book #2
4★
When the brutally murdered body of a local geography teacher is discovered at Kilwinnoch’s famous beauty spot, Blood Water Falls, the community is rocked to its core. For DCI Duncan Bone, the killing appears to be an open and shut case. But it’s not long before a sinister clue unleashes dark and deadly forces, blowing the investigation wide open, and putting Bone and his team in grave danger. With the town baying for blood, and too many suspects and not enough answers, DCI Bone faces not only the toughest case of his career, but the battle of his life to defeat the psychological demons determined to destroy him once and for all.

from the start of the book DCI Bone did not appear to be at all a "happy camper". He snapped at his team and grumbled constantly to himself, but I guess since he was recovering from an injury, that he had received in the first book, that it was understandable. It just unnecessarily took up story space. He and his team were doing a good job with the murder investigation since soon they had WAY too many possible suspects. Bone soon whittled them down and of course, solved the case. The author has created some great characters that seem almost like real people with their banter and teasing among themselves and the glimpses we are allowed to see in their families...especially Bone and his ex-wife and his son. The plot is again really intriguing making this second book a welcome addition to what is going to be an outstanding series.

The Heron's Cry- Ann Cleeves -(England)
Two Rivers series Book #2
3.5★
North Devon is enjoying a rare hot summer with tourists flocking to its coastline. Detective Matthew Venn is called out to a rural crime scene at the home of a group of artists. What he finds is an elaborately staged murder--Dr Nigel Yeo has been fatally stabbed with a shard of one of his glassblower daughter's broken vases. Dr. Yeo seems an unlikely murder victim. He's a good man, a public servant, beloved by his daughter. Matthew is unnerved, though, to find that she is a close friend of Jonathan, his husband. Then another body is found--killed in a similar way. Matthew soon finds himself treading carefully through the lies that fester at the heart of his community and a case that is dangerously close to home.

I have read every book in Ann Cleeve's "Vera" series and her "Shetland Island" series more than once and bought all the DVDs in both series. I always thought it would be impossible that anything she wrote would be less than the quality of these two series. I was excited when book #1, The Long Call, the first book in the new Two River's series, first came out. New series, new characters to become acquainted with and learn all their little quirks, short comings and likes and dislikes. The book was okay, but the character of Detective Mathew Venn who was supposed to be this series "Vera" was hard to like. He came across as moody and dull...but I was patient with him. He seemed like a bit of a "know it all' and sometimes gave the impression that he was the only capable one on his team. I did like his husband, Jonathan though, and hoped that maybe Jonathan would mellow him. Now we have book #2 in the series. The murder victim and the murder itself was interesting...but, poor Matthew still doesn't have an interesting bone in his body. Perhaps Ms. Cleeves is starting him out slow and plans to develop him more fully as the series goes along. Vera wasn't always the most understanding or likeable character either, but she had personality...and hunky Jimmy Perez was...well he just WAS. I will try book #3 and hope I will be able to hang on long enough for Matthew to "develop". Maybe "interesting" Jonathan can get his own series or join Matthew's team, or better yet take over and let Matthew man the home fires and make the tea.

Barnum: An American Life
Robert Wilson
5/5 stars
This is the biography of the amazing PT Barnum, who ran a museum of oddities, brought life to the circus and introduced some of his most famous acts to the American public including Jenny Lind, the Swedish songstress, Jumbo, the elephant and General Tom Thumb. The author paints a wonderful picture of his life, his family, the people that surrounded him and mostly his drive to entertain people. Highly recommended! Circus

Love - Elle Keaton
Home in Hollybridge - (Originally published in the anthology Between the Covers.)
4★
Will bookish magic, an adorable dog, and a little assistance from their friends help Brett and Rory realize the world is what you make of it? That a chance at happiness is something to be seized, not tossed aside? After the death of his partner, Brett Tanner never thought he’d love again. It was too much to ask or want. Until Rory stumbles into his bookstore, one evening, awakening his heart. Is it too much? Is he betraying his first love by finding himself attracted to the sexy, but socially awkward, younger man?

Saying Rory was socially awkward was an understatement, His constant indecision about almost everything was annoying after a while, but the two characters were sweet and the dog, Lulu, was beyond cute, so I had to root for her humans and hope that Rory would make up his mind about something before Brett gave up on him. Rory was almost thirty years old, so surely, he could have been a bit more rational about Brett’s asking him out. It’s a date...not a wedding, Rory....and you only have 69 pages here to get a happy ever after!!! If you don’t mind a same-sex couple and like a light, fluffy romance, then this short book will fill that need nicely. Of course, you still have Lulu

Inches of Trust - A. R. Moler - (New York)
5★
When architect Brian Townsend meets a man dressed as Zorro at a Halloween party, it seems like a chance hookup. There’s no denying Brian’s immediate attraction, but it takes more effort than he thought it would just to find out the man's name. NYPD homicide detective Tristan Blake comes from old money, which he loathes. An idealistic streak burns within him to do a job that serves a purpose. A former lover scorned him at a time he was most vulnerable, after the death of a friend, and now Tristan is slow to trust what appears to be a developing relationship between him and Brian. Beer tasting, a broken window, a fall down a flight of stairs, a grenade, and a violent attack ... what do these all have in common? Each one brings Tristan an inch closer to trusting Brian with his heart.

Why are these books with such sweet, beautiful, lovable characters so frustratingly short? 200 pages just was NOT anywhere enough! What an absolutely perfect, fantastic pair these two guys made. We have Brian Townsend, an architect... with an instant, catchy humor and a sense of undeniable trust...and we have Tristan Blake...a NYC homicide detective that sees the horrors of life every day and in his personal life has a homophobic, wealthy family who don’t approve of his job choices or, and maybe this is especially...of his being gay. He is also trying so hard to forget the mess that Eric, his ex-guy... (can't call him a lover), made of his life and his heart...and most of all to find the courage to return Brian's unconditional love. There two very short 2nd & 3rd installments that I have now and will include them with this review later. They really needed to have been part of this one.


Eyes And Ears - A.R. Moler - (New York)
Inches of Trust - Part 2
Architect Brian Townsend and his fiancé Tristan Blake have a Halloween party to go to. Brian's friend Alicia throws one every year. In fact, Brian and Tristan met at this same party the year before. This year they are engaged and planning their wedding. Everything should be coming up roses ... except that Tristan's family still has issues. They'd rather Tristan wasn't gay, and if he can't manage that, then they'd rather he not get married at all. Well, everything can't be perfect. Can their friends and chosen family help fill in the holes left by bigots and bad family behavior?

Brian and Kristin don Halloween costumes and prepare to take off for Alicia's Halloween party where they met a year ago. Alicia surprises them with a Halloween cake and a host of sincere congratulations from people that were friends as well as some strangers that were going to become friends, but all happy for them, since the guys wouldn't let her throw them an engagement party. They have been busy with Brian moving into Tristan's brownstone, some renovations that Brian is making, and generally just getting to know one another more before the wedding which is only a month away. A proposed lunch with Tristian's father was a disaster going somewhere to happen, but in spite of the anger the guys refused to be discouraged or unhappy. Tristian made the effort...and Brian came to support him even after Tristian's mother had called Brian and asked, "how much would be enough for him to call the wedding off." I know, sadly, that there are parents like that, but when I think of my own son, I can't imagine how they could want anything but happiness for their child. Even if they disapproved on some level, surely, they don't disapprove of the kid they raised. Only a few more weeks before it will all be history and Tristian and Brian will be the winners of all the joy and happiness they deserve. LOL! My review was almost longer than the book.


I Thee Wed - A.R. Moler - (New York
Inches of Trust - Part 3
5★
The time has finally come for cop Tristan Blake and architect Brian Townsend to get married. The guys have been through a lot over the past months, one way or another, so hopefully the service will go smoothly. Brian's family is on board with puns and enthusiasm. But Tristan's family is less than supportive, and his mother makes her feelings known. Fortunately, it will take more than an angry, bigoted, selfish parent to stop this ceremony from going forward. Love will have its day, and a life together leads them to the future and all the possibilities that it holds.

The two sweet guys are now completely involved in "Their Happy Ever After". Tristan's despicable mother showed up and told him all about all her friends that have eligible, pretty daughters, how he was embarrassing her, and how she would never be able to look her friends in the eye again. If that was the case, then I don't know how she was planning to ask them about all those pretty daughters:). I still don't see why these two parts were not a part of the first book...but overall, it really doesn't matter that much. I loved Brian and Tristan and really enjoyed seeing them tell their story without anyone hurting anyone. Those that were supposed to be together stayed together...no one was totally miserable...just a really sweet love story. The length of the last two parts should get it at least 3 stars, but Brian and Tristian and the beautifully executed content earned it 5 big bright, shiny ones. Hope to see them again

The Time of Contempt
Andrzej Sapkowski
4/5 stars
While war has commenced between the elves, other races and humans, Ciri returns in this novel along with Witcher and Yennefer. However, she is in grave danger because there are several who want to control her while her magic is still not under her complete control.

Taking a break from the heat and humidity and enjoying a little Christmas in July!

An Amish Christmas – Cynthia Keller
Digital audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell
2.5** rounded up

A family living the American dream in North Carolina discovers they’ve lost everything. With little more than the clothes on their backs, they head for a family’s home in Maine, only to crash their car in the midst of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Meg, the mom in this middle-class family, is a well-organized, suburban housewife, who loves to entertain, and is completely caught off guard when her husband, James, reveals he’s been out of work for four months. She’s upset by the family’s financial circumstances, of course, but more, she’s afraid she will never trust her husband again. And she is suddenly aware of how spoiled and bratty her kids are.

But the family’s enforced stay with an Amish family while their car is being repaired opens everyone’s eyes to what is really important in life: stability, family, teamwork, good neighbors, faith, kindness, good manners, and love.

It’s a sweet, and somewhat sappy, holiday story.

They Said This Would be Fun / Eternity Martis
3 stars

The author grew up in the diverse Canadian city of Toronto, but decided to move to the smaller city of London, Ontario for university. Unfortunately, London was not so diverse. As a woman of “mixed” race – her mother was Pakistani and her father (whom she did not have a relationship with) from the Caribbean – she stuck out and had a hard time at her new school. University was supposed to be fun – full of friends and parties. Though she did go to London with a friend, they grew apart during their time there. And Eternity had a number of toxic relationships, and was treated to many microaggressions and abuses.

As someone who went to university about 30 years ago, and even then, wasn’t “into” partying or drinking, I enjoyed her chapters about her family and relationships more than the partying/drinking/campus/student life. The book (though I listened to the audio) read sort of like essays. Obviously as a middle-aged white woman, I am not the target audience! Of course, Eternity brought in some stats to go along with her own experiences. I found the stats easier to swallow, and of course, she went through what she went through, but I questioned some of her generalizations about white people; many of the “stereotypes” or generalizations (about white or black people) she mentioned were things I had never heard of. That’s not to say they aren’t stereotypes, but if they are, I hadn’t heard of (many of) them before.

I feel badly for this kind of review. I hate to criticize, as I know she wrote what she did experience. Am I being a “defensive” white person? I’d like to think not, but I don’t know. The author read the audio herself and did a fine job.

The List - J. A. Konroth - (Illinois)
Dark Thriller Collection Book #1
3★
A billionaire Senator with money to burn...A thirty-year-old science experiment, about to be revealed...Seven people, marked for death, not for what they know, but for what they are...history is about to repeat itself

It’s mostly a thriller but has enough shocking scenes and malevolence in this fast-paced story to satisfy most horror fanatic's lust for the macabre. The twists were unexpected, yet well thought up and written, So why the 3 stars instead of 4 or 5? While it was everything, I said before, it was a little too much on the “science fiction” side for me...at least I hope this story is entirely science fiction without one single grain of truth in it. It was silly in places and unbelievably far-fetched in others...but I think it would make a great movie...and it wasn't at all a “bad” book...just not for me.

The Monet Murders - Josh Lanyon
The Art of Murder series Book #2
3.5★
All those late night conversations when Sam had maybe a drink too many or Jason was half falling asleep. All those playful, provocative comments about what they’d do when they finally met up again. Well, here they were...The last thing Jason West, an ambitious young FBI Special Agent with the Art Crimes Team, wants--or needs--is his uncertain and unacknowledged romantic relationship with irascible legendary Behavioral Analysis Unit Chief Sam Kennedy. And it’s starting to feel like Sam is not thrilled with the idea either. But personal feelings must be put aside when Sam requests Jason’s help to catch a deranged killer targeting wealthy, upscale art collectors. A killer whose calling card is a series of grotesque paintings depicting the murders.

This book was released in 2017. It seemed that there were some release issues at that time and some readers received wrong or incomplete copies of the work and then waited quite some time for the mess to be straightened out. As a result, the book didn't get very high ratings, because understandably people were angry. I just got the book about two weeks ago so 5 years later...I am more of a "Happy Camper" than some of the others. I have loved and followed Josh Lanyon for several years and believe I have read almost every book she... (Yes, Josh is she) ...has published...and loved every single one. This one is told mainly from the POV of Jason West, FBI Crime Investigator. This didn't get as high a rating from me as some of the others, but it wasn't because I didn't like it...it was because of a couple of behavior issues with Jason. First off...he didn't act like an investigating FBI agent would be expected to act...maybe he missed Sam who had almost no, or very little, part in this story. Also...I have to wonder why in the world he would even give the character of Chris a second glance, much less what happened between them? This is my least favorite of Josh's series, and I'm not a big fan of art, but the story was worth the 3.5 stars

Pit Bull: The Battle Over an American Icon / Bronwen DIckey
4.5 stars

The first half of the book starts with a history of dog breeds, dog fighting, “pit bulls” (however defined, as it constantly changes, but it’s mostly based on looks although there is one actual “American Pit Bull” breed, but many others tend to be lumped in, as well) as seen in history. In the second half of the book, the focus is more on dog bites, breed specific legislation, the media and politics.

The author has done an incredible amount of research here. She looks deeper into some of the media accounts (which are rarely, if ever, based on any kind of proper research), interviews people (on both sides of the “debate” over whether “pit bulls” should be banned or not). I learned of a few myths (like “bait dogs” – apparently they don’t really use bait dogs to train dogs to fight).

This was really interesting and I was impressed how, with very little information she was able to dig deeper, particularly into statistics, to find that most of the stats in the media accounts are just not based on valid (can’t think of a good word) stats. That is, one of the first “peer reviewed” (shoddily done, it seems) articles (which, of course, was then cited in later peer reviewed articles) that did find that pit bulls caused the most deaths was based on very flawed stats (“flawed” is the word I’m looking for).

I’m really impressed with this book and the amount of research that went into it. I feel like a lot more people should read it!

A Wedding To Die For - Xavier Mayne
Brandt & Donnley Capers Book #3
5★
When a high-profile gay celebrity couple asks two of the city’s most established vendors to provide cake and flowers for their wedding and they refuse, a resulting boycott threatens to shut them down. It’s up to the next generation in the family-owned businesses to save them from ruin. Justin Capella, baker's son, and Roman Montgomery, floral scion, work together to plan the gay wedding of the year. Justin and Roman haven’t seen each other since that fateful day in third grade when a single kiss shocked Justin and sent Roman to boarding school. As fate would have it, Justin and Roman rediscover love while working on the wedding. But disaster might pry them apart again. Troopers Brandt and Donnelly are working with a statewide task force for the rights of LGBT citizens―all while searching for a killer wedding planner. As guests at the “wedding of the year,” they are the first responders when all hell breaks loose. In investigating, the troopers are led to a shadowy figure they believe seduced Roman into doing his bidding. But the real murderer will cover his tracks at all costs, including Roman and Justin’s lives.

The exceptionally talented and deeply in love police troopers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly have what might appear to be a rather dubious challenge in this book...that of convincing wedding suppliers that refusing to comply with the state's non-discriminatory laws when it comes to same-sex weddings is not only not good for business, but illegal. There was as always, humor, and there was a fairly good mystery and there was hot, and sexy, Brandt and Donnley. I had no problem whatsoever despising the bad guy in this one...and once again, Bryce and Nestor, old friends, and the wedding planners from Hell, return to add to Brandt and Donnelly's daily lives, in ways Bryce & Nestor can.

Ice In His Veins - Chuck Zito - (New York)
The Nicky D'Amico Mysteries Book #2
4.5★
After a disastrous stint as stage manager at a Catholic college, Nicky D'Amico moves back to New York to get his life in order. The good Company's all-male production of A Midsummer Night's Dream is a little unorthodox, but he's thrilled about working with some of his old college friends.
This midwinter production of Dream soon becomes a nightmare when one of the actors is found dead behind the theater. It's clear that the murderer is someone with the production–one of them! The show must go on, but with someone hiding liquor bottles all over the set, more than one diva with an untrustworthy entourage, and two cute guys vying for his affections, Nicky has his hands full. Everyone is a suspect, and Nicky must figure out who the killer is–before it's curtains for another cast member.

The story kept me guessing until the very end. This is the first book...of course it’s #2...that I have read by this author. I do plan to find book #1 and hope that it is just as good. I really liked the characters, especially Nicky. The reader is made to feel connected and a part of everything that is happening. Nicky is quite a character, and I was really glad that Mr. Zito allowed us to venture into his thoughts and get to know him and what drives him. If you are interested in theater, like a well written mystery that holds your interest until the reveal or are just looking for a really good read...you’ll like meeting Nicky and his friends.

Asylum, Pride & Joy - Robert Winter (El Salvador/Massachusetts)
Pride & Joy series Book #2 (Sequel to September, Pride & Joy
5 ++★
Death threats drove him from his country. Can he ever find asylum from his past? Hernán had family, college, and a future in El Salvador. Until a vicious gang targeted him as gay. Threatened with murder, he braved a nightmare journey toward a new life. Now, haunted by his trek, he hides from immigration trouble as well as his enemies. He prays to pass in Provincetown unnoticed. But a handsome man with a secret like Hernán’s is vulnerable to predators. Colin is in town for a wedding when he falls into the harbor. The man who rescues him is dark-haired, dark eyed and gorgeous. He’s also a target because of his immigration status. Colin owes a debt and wants to repay it by helping his savior escape the monsters who would exploit him. Hernán yearns to trust the kind man who offers him sanctuary. Will his demons destroy his chance at a future with Colin?

Robert Winter has firmly planted himself in the number one place...the very top...of my favorite author's list. I have never read anyone that can tell a story with the skill and compassion as this man. Hernan's story is heartbreaking and probably simply unimaginable to those of us fortunate enough to have been born in the United States of America. Robert Winter takes us through the journey of Hernan as he and many others like him, start a journey to freedom that many, men, women and children, will never finish. Death, abuse, and treachery is a common thread on some immigration paths...and gaining asylum and hope of citizenship is in no means guaranteed. Hernan survives the journey but brings lasting scars with him, both external and internal. He was in the right place at the right time to meet Colin...an immigration activist, who takes up Hernan's cause and helps him seek legal asylum in this country. In the process, the two fall in love and join forces in their cause. You just WANT these two to find their "Happy ever after". Nothing else will be acceptable. There is sex and it's same sex...you can skip those pages if you need to...but Henan's story fills many of the remaining pages and will break, but at the same time...warm your heart. Now my mission is to go find more books by Robert Winter. He is simply awesome!!

Bachelor Party - Xavier Mayne
Brandt & Donnley Capers Book #5
4★
. Brandt and Donnelly work to help James and Oliver find their way to happiness while pulling off the bachelor party of the year.

This series demands to be read in order otherwise you will be totally lost and wondering what in the world is happening. I started this series 5 years ago and for some reason got waylaid...so I had to go back and read the first 4. Glad I did because I remembered how much I liked these two guys and their offbeat “case" files. This is James and Oliver’s story and unfortunately Brandt and Donnelly have only a minor role in it. I missed seeing them work together. Oliver is adorable as the straight bartender in the gay bar. James is a regular at his end of the bar. James is a huge tipper, but there is a bit of sadness in him, Oliver always looks forward to their conversations during his weekly visits to the club. James is in politics and Oliver is about to be caught up in the ugliness of James' life and the lies that have been told. I really disliked James for what he did and had more of a hard time forgiving him than Oliver did. James and Oliver hide out together and of course things go from hate to love in the blink of an eye as they try to figure out damage control. I enjoyed their story, but I really missed the Brandt and Donnelly involvement. Maybe what Xavier Mayne has shown with this one is that love is love wherever you find it and we should just not be concerned with putting labels on it.

This Rough Magic - Josh Lanyon - (California)
A Shot in The Dark Book #1
4★
Wealthy playboy Brett Sheridan thinks he knows the score when he hires tough guy private eye Neil Patrick Rafferty to find a priceless stolen folio of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Brett's convinced his partner-in-crime sister is behind the theft -- a theft that's liable to bring more scandal to their eccentric family, and cost Brett his marriage to society heiress Juliet Lennox. What Brett doesn't count on is the instant and powerful attraction that flares between him and Rafferty. Once before, Brett took a chance on loving a man, only to find himself betrayed and broken. This time around there's too much at risk. But as the Bard himself would say, "Journeys end in lovers meeting."

It’s a mystery filled with playful humor and respect for this often-misunderstood genre. The only problem I had with it is that it needed to be longer... not to go on past the end, but to contain more within the main part of the story in order to really do the characters and the setting justice. The main characters were perfect for the setting and for each other, but like the story, they all needed more scenes to make everything between them more believable. Their relationship can easily be summed up as “tough private eye meets broken playboy” .... and nature takes over from there. 1940s noir, a wacky family and a little romance. Sit back and enjoy.

Follow You Home - Mark Edwards - (Romania /England)
5★
It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, a final adventure before settling down. But after a perfect start, an encounter with a young couple on a night train forces Daniel and Laura to cut their dream trip short and flee home. Back in London, Daniel and Laura vow never to talk about what happened that night. But as they try to fit into their old lives again, they realize they are in terrible danger―and that their nightmare is just beginning.

I have read almost everything that Mark Edwards has written. What I really like about him is that he writes his stories about ordinary people who become involved in unexpected and disturbing situations. Laura and Daniel are such a couple. It was supposed to have been the "trip of a lifetime" Something to do as a couple before they marry and start a family. Neither of them are kids...they are both responsible 35-year-old adults. They have been backpacking through Europe having a great time. Then...THE TRAIN RIDE through Romania. Here they encounter some very strange and creepy people and have a run-in with the local police...and to top it all off, they get lost in the Romanian woods... and that's only the beginning. While in those woods they experience something horrific, but the real problems begin after they return home. Things just aren't right...they both have brushes with death through unexpected "accidents". Being individuals they, of course, handle those problems in different ways, but it puts a wedge between them that had never been there before. It seems as if something is trying to separate them. What happens next is told with multiple surprises and riveting endings. Just read this book and know that you will be on the edge of your seat throughout. Just when you think it is over and everything solved...you can guess again. Oh...and remember to breathe.

Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertalli
Book on CD performed by Michael Crouch
3.5***

Simon Spier is a fifteen-year-old gay high school student who is not yet out to his family or friends. But in his secret email account he’s found a friend (boyfriend?) who’s apparently also a student at the same high school. They use pseudonyms and have vowed NOT to reveal their true identities, but small clues seem to have given them an idea of who the other is.

The major problem for Simon is that he used a school computer to send the most recent email and a fellow student found the message when he used the same device. Simon had forgotten to log out. Now, Martin wants a favor (or two). Of course, he says he won’t reveal Simon’s secret gay life, which “isn’t really a big deal anyway,” but Martin did take a screenshot of it, and he is pretty insistent that Simon help him hook up with Simon’s friend Abby.

Ah, the drama of high school relationships, gay or straight, friends or lovers. Been there, and don’t want to relive it, thank you very much. Still, this is a engaging and entertaining story. There’s a lot to digest here, from family dynamics to first love to what it means to be a true friend, and Albertalli handles it pretty well. I can see why this would be a popular YA title for any teen.

Michael Crouch does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. Though the format of emails between Simon and “Blue” does get tedious to listen to, with a repeat of the to/from addresses and subject lines for each entry.

Murder 101 – Maggie Barbieri
2.5**
Alison Bergeron is an English professor at a small, private college on the banks of the Hudson River in the Bronx. She’s recently divorced from a fellow professor, and even more recently without a car, since her aging Volvo was stolen from the campus lot where she parks. Then the police arrive at her office with good news: her car’s been found. And with bad news: there was a body in the trunk – one of her students had been murdered.

So far this is pretty typical for the cozy mystery scenario, where the heroine (or her best friend) is a suspect in a murder and, therefore, she MUST investigate to clear her name. Of course, the Detective (Bobby Crawford) is handsome and obviously interested in Alison in ways that have nothing to do with the investigation.

My main problem with this book is that Alison is an idiot, and one with a weak stomach (she seems to vomit under stress, which happens frequently). Her best friend Max also has little to do, other than loan her a car towards the end.

As a mystery, this was not very well plotted, and I found the reveal completely unrealistic and dissatisfying. But I did find the nascent romance between Alison and Crawford interesting. And I might read another book in the series just to see how that pans out.

Possible Trigger Warnings: Graphic violence and death; past child sexual abuse as a plot point; graphic sexual content


Blue on Blue - Dal Maclean - (England)
4.5★
After three years working as a private investigator, newly reinstated Detective Inspector Will Foster still holds himself responsible for the death of an officer under his command. But he's returned to the Met bent on redeeming himself and that means bringing down gangland boss Joey Clarkson. Will's prepared to put in long hours and make sacrifices for his work, even if it comes at a cost to his nascent romance with international model, Tom Gray. After all, Tom has a history of wandering but crime is a constant in London. And Will has committed himself to the Met. But when a murder in a Soho walkup leads Will into the world of corruption, he finds himself forced to investigate his own friends and colleagues. Now the place he turned for redemption seems to be built upon lies and betrayal. And someone is more than willing to resort to murder to keep it that way.

When this story opens, newly reinstated Detective Will Foster is the sole character that we hear from for quite some time. At the end of the first book in the series Object of Desire, Will and his ex-boyfriend Tom Grey were reunited in what I hoped was maybe a hopeful but uneasy reunion and they would try to reconnect. This story begins finding Will still navigating the abrupt renewal of this relationship and his new position with the South Kensington Police. A murder investigation that seems to be connected to gangland kingpin Joey Clarkson, Will’s old nemesis, has the mystery off and running in a complex and twisty way. There is some romance with trying to come to terms with all his insecurities, but this is less of a romance novel than the first two in the series, and instead focuses more on the detective and suspense story. I really loved the relationship and angst of the first two books, so this one was a bit of a let-down, but is still an overall good read especially if you have followed the first two books.

A Portrait of Phillip - J.P Bowie - (England)
Portrait series Book #1
4.5★
When Peter Brandon, a gifted young artist awakens from a coma of three years, he learns that his lover, Phillip, was brutally murdered and no one brought to justice for the crime. With the help of Andrew Connor, his physical therapist, he slowly regains his strength, but it is not until he visits Phillip's graveside and receives an affirmation that his dead lover is somehow guiding him to the truth, that he feels the need to get on with his life. Through mutual friends, he meets Jeff Stevens, an ex-cop now a PI, and together they discover that Phillip was not the victim of a random gay bashing, but of a deliberate act to silence him. They unravel a web of lies deceit and a friend's treachery. During their investigation, Peter and Jeff find a mutual attraction for each other, a situation that is thrown into jeopardy in their final face off with Phillip's killer.

I know I reviewed this book a few weeks ago...but I believe the "evil book fairies" must have come and carried it away because I cannot find the review anywhere, on two different sites. So... I will give it another try. I liked the book but there was a lot of grief to get through...especially when Peter visits Phillip's grave. Phillip had been dead for 3 years but to Peter, who had been in a coma, it might as well have been yesterday. The author should have gone with the theme of Peter grieving for Phillip while searching for the killer and had him gradually begin to fall in love with Jeff. It was just too sudden to be believable. Other than that, it was a good mystery, and I will try another of the series.

The Diving-Bell and the Butterfly / Jean-Dominique Bauby
2.5 stars

The author, from France, suffered a stroke at 44 years old. It didn’t kill him – instead, he woke up with (I think he called it) “locked-in syndrome” (or something similar). His brain was all intact, but he was completely paralyzed, except for being able to blink one eye. This is his “memoir”, as told by blinking that eye every time the correct letter was suggested, one-letter-at-a-time. He died a very short time after the book was published.

I guess it makes sense that the book was short and the chapters were short, given how difficult and how much time it must have taken to “write” this book. The chapters read like little essays. I found the chapters about his ordeal much more interesting than the random chapters on his dreams or reminiscences – those just seemed to ramble and I found them boring. I like the idea of the book, and it’s incredible that he was able to do it at all, but it just wasn’t very interesting to me.

Iced / Karen Marie Moning
3 stars

This is a continuation of the author’s “Fever” series, but told from the point of view of 14-year old Dani. This is a Dublin filled with Fae. Dani thinks of herself as a superhero with superspeed, superhearing, and super other things. She and a friend(?) are kind of “kidnapped” by a supernatural being (what kind… not sure, but must have been some kind of fae), Ryodan, and forced to sign a contract to work for him as he and Dani tried to figure out what was randomly icing over various locations and all the people in those locations, ultimately killing the humans.

It’s been too many years since I read the Fever series, and I didn’t find that the author did much in the way of recap, or what she did do wasn’t enough to really help me remember much of what was going on or who was who. The new storyline in this one – the mystery of what was causing locations and people to be “iced” – I found interesting. I thought I liked Dani as a secondary character (from what I recall) in the other books, but I didn’t like her much in this one. And all those horny men after a 14-year old!? Ugh! I am still rating it ok for trying to figure out what was causing the ice and the monsters they fought in the story.

Does The Feeling Go Both Ways - A R Moler
4★
Deep cover DEA agent Landon Cross can’t seem to escape his past. First, his cover is blown by a guy he’d busted in another operation. Then, his rescuer is medic Trey Jernigan, his best childhood friend, first love, and a person Landon betrayed as a teenager. Now Landon’s life is a mess and so is he, physically and emotionally. Incredibly, Trey forgives Landon and allows his former friend back into his life in all kinds of ways Landon would never have thought possible. But a crucial decision Landon made while undercover comes back to haunt him. Trey also has to deal with very tangible pieces of his own past. Will Trey and Landon be able to solve their problems and build a life together?

I really enjoyed this book even if it was only 122 pages. I wish it had been longer. There was so much more that would have been nice to know about their younger days...and adult Landon and Trey were so good to together. What happened when they were young put a wedge between them, but they didn't let it stand in the way of them trying once they found each other again. It is always nice when we have characters that are adults about their problems and work together to iron them out.

Hush - Tal Bauer - (Washington D.C.)
5★
A federal judge running from the truth. A U.S. marshal running from his past. A trial that can plunge the world into war. Federal Judge Tom Brewer is finally putting the pieces of his life back together. In the closet for twenty-five long years, he’s climbing out slowly, and, with the hope of finding a special relationship with the stunning Mike Lucciano, U.S. Marshal assigned to his D.C. courthouse. He wants to be out and proud, but he can’t erase his own past, and the lessons he learned long ago. But a devastating terrorist attack in the heart of DC, and the subsequent capture and arrest of the terrorist, leads to a trial that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of America’s national security. As Russia beats the drums of war, intent on seeking revenge, and the United States struggles to contain the storm before it races out of control, secrets and lies, past and present, collide in Judge Tom Brewer’s courtroom. With the world’s attention fixed on Tom and this case, he suddenly discovers he may be the only person who can put everything together in time to stop the spark of a new world war.

A different kind of M/M romance than usual and it will keep you guessing until the very last page, while also making you reflect on the past. It’s also an extremely unique perspective on the judicial system, and a visceral look at how it and society defined a life. Mike is a United States Marshall working at the DC courthouse. His job is to protect the members of the judicial system who uphold the laws of the nation. Federal Judged Tom Brewer is one of those members who falls under Mike’s protection. But there’s more to Tom than the black robes he wears. I enjoyed the everyday court proceedings and the case with the mountain of evidence. All the relationships between marshals, lawyers and judges were so intricate and well done. It felt like getting into a nest of vipers, but isn't that Washington D.C. for you? In spite of that, it was absolutely fascinating. The case and the subsequent bread crumb trail to the truth was clever and fast paced and well written. I never saw some things coming. Tal Bauer seems to be an absolute wonder at plot twists and turns.

Heartstopper Volume One - Alice Oseman - (England)
5★
Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they've never met ... until one day when they're made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realized. Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.

It's a YA graphic novel but contains a very moving storyline that any young gay person will find hope and encouragement in. I wish my son had had this book during his high school years. It would have answered a ton of questions for him. Charlie and Nick are 14 & 16...and cuter than a speckled puppy, as my grandmother used to say. You can't help but love them and wish them all the best things in the world. There is a very brief happening in the storyline that may be a put-off for some but overall, it is an adorable offering. I'm going to buy this Volume and Volume 2 and donate them to our local Pride group.

Whiskey and Wry - Rhys Ford - (California)
Sinners Gin series Book #2
5★
He was dead. And it was murder most foul. If erasing a man’s existence could even be called murder. When Damien Mitchell wakes, he finds himself without a life or a name. The Montana asylum’s doctors tell him he’s delusional and his memories are all lies...he’s really Stephen Thompson, and he’d gone over the edge, obsessing about a rock star who died in a fiery crash. His chance to escape back to his own life comes when his prison burns, but a gunman is waiting for him, determined that neither Stephen Thompson nor Damien Mitchell will escape. With the assassin on his tail, Damien flees to the city by the Bay, but keeping a low profile is the only way he’ll survive as he searches San Francisco for his best friend, Miki St. John. Falling back on what kept him fed before he made it big, Damien sings for his supper outside Finnegan’s, an Irish pub on the pier, and he soon falls in with the owner, Sionn Murphy. Damien doesn’t need a complication like Sionn, and to make matters worse, the gunman—who doesn’t mind going through Sionn or anyone else if that’s what it takes to kill Damien—shows up to finish what he started.

I believe this series can take its place among my favorite M/M romances. After just 2 books in the Sinner's Gin series, it can join the Witchbane, the Badlands series of Morgan Brice....Josh Lanyon's Adrien English series....and Robert Winter's Pride & Joy series. What Rhys Ford has done so well is allow us to meet these broken men, and witness the long, slow ritual that leads to their discovering each other's hearts. We learn about Damien's not-too-distant past and wonder who could hate him enough to orchestrate the freakish hijacking of his life. We meet and get to know Sionn's, a cousin to the Morgan family and learn about his own emotional burdens. Best of all we get to watch these two men warily circle one another, but eventually know and accept that this is going somewhere special...and we are allowed to go with them. From the very first moment we and Damien know the hired assassin is there. The question is when will they meet? We know that only one will and walk away, and we sincerely hope that it's going to be Damien. Nothing else would be imaginable or acceptable. Now...on to Conner's story.

Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens
375 p. - ★ ★ ★ ★

Hailey McBride lives in Cold Creek, British Columbia, very near the highway where many women have gone misssing. Hailey's mother died when she was small and her father reared her to be independent, so when he died in an accident, Hailey was unprepared to move in with her aunt and her aunt's police sergeant husband, Vaughn. Hailey discovers Vaughn is dirty. She and her best friend Jonny fake her death, with Hailey living in a mining cabin up on the mountain. One year later, Beth Chevalier moves to Cold Creek, hoping to find information about her sister Amber, who was Hailey's girlfriend. Taking a job in the same diner as Amber and hanging out by the same lake as Amber had puts a target on Beth's back.

Not an easy book to get into, it was well worth it. I didn't really find Beth, Hailey, or Amber really likeable - but they were very real. A satisfying read!

Jury Of One - Charlie Cochrane - (England)
Lendenshaw Mysteries Book #2
4.5★
Inspector Robin Bright is enjoying a quiet Saturday with his lover, Adam Matthews, when murder strikes in nearby Abbotson, and he’s called in to investigate. He hopes for a quick resolution, but as the case builds, he’s drawn into a tangled web of crimes, new and old, that threatens to ensnare him and destroy his fledgling relationship. Adam is enjoying his final term teaching at Lindenshaw School, and is also delighted to be settling down with Robin at last. Only Robin doesn’t seem so thrilled. Then an old crush of Adam’s shows up in the murder investigation, and suddenly Adam is yet again fighting to stay out of a one of Robin’s cases, to say nothing of trying to keep their relationship from falling apart. Between murder, stabbings, robberies, and a suspect with a charming smile, the case threatens to ruin everything both Robin and Adam hold dear. What does it take to realize where your heart really lies and can a big, black dog hold the key?

Robin and Adam are together and learning how to live with one another. Adam is leaving his position at the Lindenshaw school and is off to take a lead teacher position at a new school and Inspector Robin Bright has a new murder to investigate. Robin' finds that something in his past is connected to the case and that as well as his future play a big role in this case. It even shakes the relationship he and Robin have fought so hard to obtain. Miscommunication and founded and unfounded fears also get in the way of their relationship. Fortunately, underneath it all, they are there for one another. It's a great mystery complete with lots of twists and turns. I wish it could have been a bit longer. 246 pages seemed to only get started good, but then I always want good books to be longer. It's enough to draw you in and keep you reading until you know who did what and why it happened...and you'll love Campbell, the dog.

Gorky Park– Martin Cruz Smith
2.5**

As the snow begins to melt, three frozen bodies are found in Moscow’s Gorky Park. They’ve all been shot, and their bodies mutilated to hamper identification. Investigator Arkady Renko is brilliant, honest, and cynical, but he’s a professional and acknowledged, even by his enemies, as a stellar investigator. But to solve this case, he’ll have to battle the KGB, the FBI and the New York City police.

This is the first in a series, and Smith gives us an interesting cast of characters, including a dwarf who does reconstructive sculpture from bones to help identify crime victims, a mysterious young woman working with a film crew, a rogue NYC cop, and a rich, ruthless and well-connected American mogul. Renko, for all his skill and tenacity, is flawed, and suffering through the end of his own marriage.

The plot starts out with a bang, but Smith throws in so many side shows and plot twists, including considerable political intrigue, that I began to lose interest. And I found the ending somewhat anticlimactic. I doubt I’ll read more of the series.

Every Breath You Take (Nights at Mata Hari) - Robert Winter - (Washington D.C.)
Nights At Mata Hari Series Book #1
5★
Someone is murdering young gay men in Washington, DC. When Zachary Hall leaves Utah for a job in Washington, it’s finally his chance to live as a gay man and maybe find someone special. In a bar he meets Thomas Scarborough, a man who seems perfect in and out of the bedroom. But Thomas never dates. He never even sleeps with the same man twice. Despite their instant connection, he can offer Zachary only his friendship, and Zachary is looking for more. Thomas is tempted to break his own rules, but years before, he became the victim of a stalker who nearly destroyed his life. Even though his stalker died, Thomas obsessively keeps others at a distance. Despite his fascination with Zachary, he is unable to lower his barriers. Frustrated, Zachary accepts he will never have what he wants with Thomas and soon finds it with another man. But the dead gay men all have a connection to Thomas. Once again someone is watching Thomas’s every move. Can it be a coincidence? When the depraved killer turns his attention toward Zachary, Thomas must face the demons of his past—or lose his chance to open his heart to Zachary forever.

As I've said before about Robert Winter's September and Asylum...they are absolutely fantastic books and characters. When I saw the series "Nights at Mata Hari" by Winters, with Every Breath You Take being book 1, and thought since I liked the others so much, why not? This series is slightly different. Where the two books I mentioned were more M/M romance stories, this one is more of a mystery with some pretty hot guys and some romance thrown into the mix. I understood Thomas's theory for only taking guys home with him once and no repeats...but didn't think that was going to work out for him for very long, especially when he met Zachary and how different his feelings were for Zach than any of the others. Now about the killer...I was half right...but also half wrong. Absolutely brilliant the way you sneaked that one in Mr. Winter! I have book 2 in this series, Lying Eyes... and Robert Winter is still on the top of my favorite authors of all times list, even if he did only let me be half right and made me stay up really late to find out just how wrong I was.

Little Fires Everywhere / Celeste Ng
3.25 stars

Photographer Mia and her 15-year old daughter, Pearl, move around a lot. When they rent from the Richardsons, the two families initially seem to get along, especially Pearl with the Richardson’s son, Moody, but also Pearl with the other Richardson kids. Things take a turn when secrets start coming out after the two families become quite entwined.

I listened to the audio. The first half didn’t really catch my attention all that much; it was pretty slow moving as the two families really just got to know one another. It picked up in the second half, though, when a friend of the Richardsons adopted a Chinese baby who had been abandoned (along with a few other storylines as secrets abounded). I really did not like Mia. I’m not sure there were any characters I liked, actually. I would have rated the first half “ok” at 3 stars, and wanted to up it to 3.5 stars due to the second half, but I dropped my rating just a touch as I was very unhappy with one of the things that happened near the end.

Learning to Love - Felice Stevens - (New York)
Enemies To Lovers series
2.5★
After ten years away from home, bad boy caterer Gideon Marks has a lot to prove. Getting the holiday catering job at his childhood synagogue is the first step in demonstrating to everyone he didn’t turn out to be the failure they predicted. What he doesn’t count on is Rabbi Jonah Fine, his high school nemesis and secret crush, stirring up old feelings Gideon thought long gone and secrets he’s buried deep for years. An unexpectedly passionate encounter shocks Gideon, but he pushes Jonah away, convinced he isn’t good enough to be in a relationship and would never be accepted by Jonah’s father. But Jonah hangs tough—he won’t allow Gideon to hide or run away from life again. And when it comes to love, Gideon learns the most important lessons aren’t always taught in school.

This was all over the chart and there was so much of it that I just didn't "get". These two went to school together ten years ago but they barely gave one another the time of day let alone expressed any romantic feelings. Actually, Gideon hated Jonah and blamed him for something that he thought he had done but was willing to forgive him for ten years down the road. Really??? What exactly was Jonah supposed to have done???? Gideon was a train wreck waiting to happen. He was moody, insecure, hot tempered and too quick to jump to the wrong conclusions. Such an unlikeable character that I thought Jonah should have counted his lucky stars and shut and locked the door. It's a likable enough storyline, but not believable, understandable, or executed very well, which is unusual for this author. Too much was left unexplained. Felice Steven's characters are always "damaged" but so far in all her books that I have read, they have been worthy of the time to "repair" them. Jonah should have just put Gideon back on the shelf.

State Of Terror – Hillary Rodham Clinton & Louise Penny
Digital audiobook narrated by Joan Allen
3.5***

Adapted from the book jacket: Novice Secretary of State Ellen Adams, has joined the administration of her rival, a president inaugurated after four years of American leadership that shrank from the world stage. A series of terrorist attacks throws the global order into disarray, and the secretary is tasked with assembling a team to unravel the deadly conspiracy, a scheme carefully designed to take advantage of an American government dangerously out of touch and out of power in the places where it counts the most.

My reactions:
Clearly Clinton provided the behind-the-scenes information on the workings of government on this scale, while Louise Penny crafted the plot. I wish Clinton hadn’t relied so much on taking digs at # 45, because the basic plot would have worked without that, and it just makes the book seem like a thinly veiled criticism of our former leadership.

The plot was fast and furious and held my attention throughout. And, as a fan of Penny’s Gamache series, I was tickled by the various Easter Eggs in the plot. It ends with a hell of a cliffhanger, so I am guessing there will be a sequel.

Joan Allen does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. I liked her interpretation of Ellen Adams.

Bad Intentions - Ella Frank - (Illinois)
Intentions Duet Book #1
5★
My name isn’t Logan Mitchell, but Marcus St. James doesn’t know that…When I showed up at my roommate’s work party, the last thing I expected was to find a man straight out of my dreams. But when the crowd parted and the fates aligned, there he was, waiting for me. Marcus St. James, president of ENN WorldWide News. Sexy and powerful, with a stare that could freeze you in place, Marcus was the perfect reward for securing a job at Mitchell & Madison, the best law firm in Chicago. To play with the big fish, however, one must become a big fish, and that’s where my little white lie began. How can anything good come out of something that started with such bad intentions?

Marcus St. James is a character that we previously met in Ella's Frank's Prime Time series. When I read that he was featured in these two books, Bad Intentions and Good Intentions, and mostly what we were going to hear was Marcus' story, I couldn't wait to read it. Marcus is dealing with Gabe, who he first meets at a party, and knows as Logan Mitchell. Gabe's larger than life personality and over the top arrogance gets him into some tight spots; but it's his tenacity that gets him out and puts him right where he wants to be. I can't say much about where he lands and how he gets there without giving a lot of good story line away. I'll just say that the story and the two guys were fun, really funny at times, and over- the- top steamy. I can’t wait to start book 2.

Tequila Mockingbird - Rhys Ford - (California)
Sinner's Gin series Book #3
5★
Lieutenant Connor Morgan of SFPD’s SWAT division wasn’t looking for love. Especially not in a man. His life plan didn’t include one Forest Ackerman, a brown-eyed, blond drummer who’s as sexy as he is trouble. His family depends on him to be like his father, a solid pillar of strength who’ll one day lead the Morgan clan. No, Connor has everything worked out―a career in law enforcement, a nice house, and a family. Instead, he finds a murdered man while on a drug raid and loses his heart comforting the man’s adopted son. It wasn’t like he’d never thought about men ― it’s just loving one doesn’t fit into his plans. Forest Ackerman certainly doesn’t need to be lusting after a straight cop, even if Connor Morgan is everywhere he looks, especially after Frank’s death. He’s just talked himself out of lusting for the brawny cop when his coffee shop becomes a war zone and Connor Morgan steps in to save him. Whoever killed his father seems intent on Forest joining him in the afterlife. As the killer moves closer to achieving his goal, Forest tangles with Connor Morgan and is left wondering what he’ll lose first―his life or his heart.

The Morgan family is about to lose another son to a young, sexy musician...Forest Ackerman, but that's okay with them. All their children deserve to be loved and be happy and that includes the oldest of the eight...Conner, who always thought life would be a dog, a wife and kids. The dog and the kids are still in the mix, but the "wife" has grown whiskers and beats a drum as the newest member of a blossoming band with the two survivors of the original Sinner's Gin band. The world Rhys Ford has crafted and created becomes mesmerizingly more real with each book. I despised Forrest's mother who only wanted money and nothing more from him...but I had to applaud the way he handled her without entirely cutting her out of his life but leaving no doubt in her mind that the handouts were finished. Forest will be safe and will know he's loved with Conner and the rest of the Morgan family...a family that anyone would do almost anything to have for even an hour. On to the next book, which is about Quinn, the non-cop in the family, the quiet professor.

Starvation Heights / Gregg Olsen
4 stars

In 1911, two wealthy sisters who seemed determined to try many different fad “medical” treatments, ended up in Washington State at a sanitarium run by “Dr.” Linda Hazzard, who promoted fasting for all ailments. Not only did her treatment come with fasting (really, she starved them), but with hours-long enemas and beatings, and she managed to convince her patients that this was all helping. Unfortunately for the sisters, Claire and Dora, Claire died. But only after Linda and her husband had both sisters sign various documents granting them control of their money, jewelry, etc. Not only that, on digging deeper, others had also died under this fasting “cure”.

Wow, crazy! It floors me that people would do something like this to begin with, but then to become so brainwashed as to think it was helping as they slowly starved to death. My summary above is only about the first 1/3 of the book… the middle bit of the book was lawyers investigating Dr. Hazzard, and the last 1/3 was the trial. All very interesting, I thought. And this really happened!

Good Intentions Ella Frank
Intentions Duet Book #2 - (Illinois)
5★
Gabriel Romero made me hungry for things I’d never wanted and starved of the things I didn’t think I’d ever need. Until now… Until him… I was never the man who believed in love, romance, or happily ever after. I was married to my work, and happy to be that way. Until one night, not too long ago, when an audacious young man lied his way into my life and showed me what I’d been missing. Bold and sexy, with a face that could melt through the iciest of exteriors, Gabriel Romero is the one factor I never saw coming. There are so many reasons we shouldn’t work—my age, his, our career goals in life—and yet we are drawn together by a passion for music, and each other, that neither of us can deny. I’ve always been the one to think things through, to follow my head instead of my heart. But if I don’t open myself to what’s possible, instead of thinking of all the ways this seems impossible, I might miss out on the best thing that has ever happened to me. So I’m taking a chance, and laying myself at his mercy, opening my heart with nothing but good intentions. Only time will tell if Gabriel Romero decides to let me back in.

These two guys were simply 290 pages of pure delight. Their interactions and their different personalities, all brought the story together and into something that will make your heart...happy, for lack of a better word. I don't usually care for "May-December" romances of any genre for that matter, and there is a big age gap here, but they made it work. Marcus has also had to learn to compromise the work balance, but he knew without a doubt that Gabe was the one he always needed by his side. It's a wonderful conclusion to a beautiful love story. Sorry to see it end with only two books.

Baptism of Fire
Andrzej Sapkowski
3/5 stars
Geralt is still on the search for Ciri and fears that she has been captured by the Nilfgaard Court. A new female character, Milva an archer joins in the search for Ciri.

The Good Good Pig: The Extraordinary Life of Christopher Hogwood
Sy Montgomery
5/5 stars
This is the delightfully true story about Sy Montgomery, naturalist, writer and radio commentator, who along with her husband raised a pig who was sickly. With the help of their neighbors providing food and support, he recovered quickly, grew to 750 pounds and was a friend to the neighbors, a local celebrity and a beloved pet.

Two Feet Under - Charlie Cochrane - (England)
Lindenshaw Mysteries Book #3
5★
Things are looking up for Adam Matthews and Robin Bright—their relationship is blossoming, and they’ve both been promoted. But Robin’s a policeman, and that means murder is never far from the scene. When a body turns up in a shallow grave at a Roman villa dig site—a body that repeatedly defies identification—Robin finds himself caught up in a world of petty rivalries and deadly threats. The case seems to want to drag Adam in, as well, and their home life takes a turn for the worse when an ex-colleague gets thrown out of his house and ends up outstaying his welcome at theirs. While Robin has to prove his case against a manipulative and fiendishly clever killer, Adam is trying to find out which police officer is leaking information to the media. And both of them have to work out how to get their home to themselves again, which might need a higher intelligence than either a chief inspector or a deputy headteacher.

I really liked that the author has the talent to take the reader to the world of this small, semi-rural English town. She describes it so that all during the story you feel like a visitor. Cochrane’s cozy murder plot is not about some urban detective and his "almost-boyfriend", seems to be how many gay cop books run. This series features two quiet and intelligent young professional men, who are each trying to make their way without creating problems in their professional or private lives. Then there is the star of the show...Campbell, their big, beautiful, Labrador Retriever. A body has been found in a dig and Robin is brought in to investigate. The majority of the book takes place during the questioning of witnesses and suspects and a lot of brain storming sessions while Robin tries to make sense of all the clues. There are also a lot of red herrings, mistaken identities, and impersonations. It all comes together nicely in the end and Robin and Adam...and Campbell, are off to their next case.

Royal Blood / Rhys Bowen
4 stars

(4th in a series) As Georgie’s brother and his wife come to London and are appalled at how Georgie lives, Georgie is asked by the queen to represent the royal family at a royal wedding in Romania. But Georgie is expected to bring her (nonexistent!) maid. At the last minute, Georgie finds someone willing to come, despite the perceived dangers of travelling abroad. Unfortunately, Queenie is a disaster as a maid! Even worse, when they arrive at the isolated castle where the wedding will take place – none other than Vlad the Impaler’s castle! – they are snowed in. Georgie is certain she is seeing vampires around the castle. Then at supper one night, a guest – hated by most of the others – suddenly dies, an apparent poisoning.

There is to be a lot going on in this one, but I loved the setting at the castle in Transylvania and the slightly gothic atmosphere of it. I really enjoyed some of the secondary characters (and I do like Georgie, too), but what a hopeless case Queenie is! In addition to the gothic atmosphere, there was humour scattered throughout the book. I was thinking I might like this best of the series so far, but it looks like I also rated the 2nd book the 4 stars.

To Be Continued – Charmaine Gordon
Digital audiobook read by Rebecca Roberts
3***

From the book jacket: Elizabeth Malone wakes up the morning after an amazing night of passion with her husband of forty years to find a note: “Dear Lizzie, it’s not you, it’s me.” Abandoned by her husband, disappointed in daughter Susie’s casual attitude, Beth decides to re-establish herself as the winner she once was.

My reactions
I wasn’t expecting much from this coming-of-middle-age book, but I found it to be pretty entertaining. Oh, I did have some issues with the main character. Beth was once an ambitious woman with a promising career, but she took on the role of doctor’s wife to please her husband and seems to have left her brain power behind. I was pretty frustrated with her at the outset. But eventually she does find a good therapist, satisfying volunteer work, a strengthened relationship with her daughter, a new friend to boost her morale, a new attorney to get her what she deserves, and a new man who will support and encourage her endeavors as she starts her own business.

It was a fun, fast read.

Rebecca Roberts does a fine job on the audiobook. She sets a good pace and has clear diction.

House of Hollow
Krystal Sutherland
4/5 stars
In this dark YA novel, the author tells the tale of three unusual sisters who as children disappeared for a month and returned not knowing what happened and with changes in their appearances. This time their older sister, Grey goes missing and Iris Hollow and her sister Vivi take up the challenge of where their sister went and what really happened the first time they went missing! Compelling!

Lying Eyes - Robert Winter - (Washington D.C.)
Nights at Mata Hari Book #2
4.5★
This bartender’s art lies in more than mixing drinks …Randy Vaughan is a six-foot-three mass of mysteries to his customers and his friends. Why does a former Secret Service agent now own Mata Hari, a successful piano bar? Where did a muscle daddy get his passion for collecting fine art? If he’s as much a loner as his friends believe, why does he crave weekly sessions at an exclusive leather club? Randy’s carefully private life unravels when Jack Fraser, a handsome art historian from England, walks into his bar, anxious to get his hands on a painting Randy owns. The desperation Randy glimpses in whiskey-colored eyes draws him in, as does the desire to submit that he senses beneath Jack’s elegant, driven exterior. While wrestling with his attraction to Jack, Randy has to deal with a homeless teenager, a break-in at Mata Hari, and Jack’s relentless pursuit of the painting called Sunrise. It becomes clear someone’s lying to Randy. Unless he can figure out who and why, he may miss his chance at the love he’s dreamed about in the hidden places of his heart.

Randy, who is part owner of the piano bar Mata Hari, was part of the team that rescued Zachary in the first book in this series, Every Breath You Take, (Pride & Joy), so I was really looking forward to his story as well as just reading something else by Robert Winter. I loved Randy and most of the other characters. Some we weren't supposed to love or even remotely like. What I wasn't much interested in was all the art information, but I know it was necessary since the story revolved around Randy's painting, "Sunrise", that may have been worth millions of dollars... and Jack, the appraiser that came from England to see the painting. The attraction was almost immediate between Jack and Randy, but they each knew that distance, and time, along with other issues, was bound to pull them apart. Randy had also recently rescued a young man from a street gang and being big hearted, had given him a place to stay...so the question was what was going to happen to the young man since he couldn't stay at Randy's home forever? All the characters from the first book and some from September (Pride & Joy, appeared briefly in this one also which is something that I always really like. We also got to meet Luc, Randy's uncle's partner. Both men had been a big influence in Randy's life. This is not your average M/M romance. The story is built around and contains a great deal of suspense and mystery. There is also several scenes of consensual bondage and discipline that may not appeal to all readers. Robert Winter is a magnificent storyteller and has again written a book that more than engages you from start to finish. There are so many unexpected plot twists that you never see coming. We are reminded that appearances can be deceiving, and that everyone is deserving of a second chance. I sincerely hope that there will be many, many more books in this series with all these wonderful, delightful characters.

No Offense by Meg Cabot
350 pages - ★ ★ ★ 1/2

Molly Montgomery, the new children's librarian on Little Bridge Island, finds an abandoned baby in the library restroom. Sheriff John Hartwell, single dad to a teenager, butts heads with Molly when he insists that whoever left the baby is a criminal. Molly and John spar over this and a few other aspects of the case, as they also fall for each other.

Cute, but not cloying. I wanted brain candy, and this filled the bill.

The Winds of War – Herman Wouk
5*****

Book # 1 in the Henry Family saga introduces us to Commander Victor Henry, his wife Rhoda, and their children: Warren, Byron and Madeline. Victor wants a battleship, but he’s been selected to serve as Naval attache in Berlin. It’s 1937 and he’ll have a front-row seat to history.

This is a larger than life story to tell, and Wouk could not manage to finish it in just one volume (even though this book is nearly 900 pages long in original hardcover). It ends just after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Henry family is facing not only a world war but considerable personal upheaval. Both sons are naval officers serving in the Pacific, while daughter Madeline remains at her job in New York (and the subject of a scandal that will surely ruin her reputation). Victor’s Jewish daughter-in-law remains trapped in Europe, having delayed her return to the US in deference to her aged (and improbably naïve) uncle. And both Pug and Rhoda are questioning whether they want to continue their marriage, or find more suitable partners.

The soap opera drama of the family’s story pulls the reader through, but Wouk includes much history. There are occasional interruptions in the family saga to report on the historical events, including examinations of each side’s military readiness and strategy.

I first read this book sometime in the mid to late 1970s; it was originally published in 1971. Recently my husband found a hardcover copy in our local Little Free Library. He’d never read it before and was so enthusiastic about it that I decided to re-read it. I’m glad I did. He has already read the sequel, War and Remembrance, but I think I’ll hold off on re-reading that one for a while.

Sloe Ride - Rhys Ford -(California)
Sinner's Gin series Book #4
5★
It isn’t easy being a Morgan. Especially when dead bodies start piling up and there’s not a damned thing you can do about it. Quinn Morgan never quite fit into the family mold. He dreamed of a life with books instead of badges and knowledge instead of law―and a life with Rafe Andrade, his older brothers’ bad boy friend and the man who broke his very young heart. Rafe Andrade returned home to lick his wounds following his ejection from the band he helped form. A recovering drug addict, Rafe spends his time wallowing in guilt, until he finds himself faced with his original addiction, Quinn Morgan―the reason he fled the city in the first place. When Rafe hears the Sinners are looking for a bassist, it’s a chance to redeem himself, but as a crazed murderer draws closer to Quinn, Rafe’s willing to sacrifice everything―including himself―to keep his quixotic Morgan safe and sound.

I didn't think I was going to like this series so much when I started it...but now I wish there was going to many more stories about the guys of "Sinner's Gin and their partners. Guess that's what rereads are for. Quinn and Rafe's story is a unique one in this series. We get to see and better understand what makes Quinn's way of thinking, not wrong but just "different"...but entirely normal for him. The Morgan boys have always had the love and support of their wonderful parents who are always there any time for a heart-to-heart. Usually, it's with their dad but Quinn's talk was with his mother, and it was guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes. We see the depth of how much the family, and even Kane's Mikie, who pretends to be terrified of Bridget, the mother of the Morgan bunch, love and adore both Morgan parents. Someone is trying and succeeding to eliminate one by one the people that Quinn loves as well as some that are just good friends. Rafe, his boyfriend who he just reunited with, and his brothers have other ideas and will do anything to protect him. Meanwhile the band that was once known as Sinner's Gin now have two new members and are ready to appear again but on a much closer to home and family schedule than before. Now we can welcome Crossroad's Gin to the stage and thank Rhys Ford for providing two more books in the series for us to enjoy. Oh...almost forgot. If you can't love any of the characters...and I can't imagine that happening...you will have to love Quinn's cat.

How to Pronounce Knife / Souvankham Thammavongsa
3.5 stars

This is a book of short stories. She is a Lao-Canadian author, so the stories focus on Lao immigrants’ experiences.

I enjoyed the stories as I read them, so I’m giving this a “good” rating, but like with the majority of short stories I read, I forget them. Even by the end of the (short) book, I have forgotten most of the stories. I give plenty of short story collections an “ok” rating, since I usually find they vary – I like some, but not others – but these (even listening on audio) were almost all ones I liked. I’m not sure if the author meant to set the stories in Canada or the US. I initially assumed Canada, since she is Canadian, but one of the stories referred to all the money being green, so that would be the US. I guess it doesn’t matter, overall.

Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology / Leah Remini
4 stars

Leah Remini is an actress, mostly known (I think – at least by me!) for her role as Carrie on “The King of Queens”, which ran for 9 years in the late ‘90s into the 2000s. The bulk of this book, however, focuses on her 35 years as part of the Scientology community before she left the church.

When Leah was a child, her mother’s boyfriend was a Scientologist, so her mom, sister, and Leah all became very involved in the church. Leah always knew she wanted to act and when she was 18, she got her first tv role. In Scientology, celebrities are highly regarded, as they can bring good PR to the church and recruit more people. It was, in particular, after Leah met Tom Cruise, though they initially got along well, that things took a turn when Leah started questioning things.

I don’t read many celebrity biographies/memoirs, but I wanted to read this one after reading another book about someone (a non-celebrity) who escaped Scientology, so that was my initial interest. Leah’s career brought her in contact with other celebrity Scientologists and so the two topics are entwined. I did find some of her stories of her acting and tv life interesting, as well. It was frustrating, angering, and sad for Leah (and the reader) as she learned of more and more transgressions of higher authorities in the church. She never did find out where the wife of the leader disappeared to after years of hearing nothing from a woman Leah had considered a friend (and it appears that is still unknown). There are photos included from when she was little to not long before the book was published.

The Bard's Blade by Brian D. Anderson
5*****

Mariyah enjoys a simple life in Vylari, a land magically sealed off from the outside word, where fear and hatred are all but unknown. There she's a renowned winemaker and her betrothed, Lem, is a musician of rare talent. Their destiny has never been in question. Whatever life brings, they will face it together. Then a stranger crosses the wards into Vylari for the first time in centuries, bringing a dark prophecy that forces Lem and Mariyah down separate paths. How far will they have to go to stop a rising darkness and save their home? And how much of themselves will they have to give up along the way?

This was a really good, well-crafted book about two young lovers (well, 20-somethings anyway) and the perils they face when they leave their magically-protected homeland to respond to a stranger's last gasp.

Mariyah runs the business side of her parents' vineyard and Lem is her most-beloved and a long-haired musician to boot. His parents having died, Lem lives with his uncle, Shemi. Shemi is a renowned hunter who makes his way through the realm of Vylari till one day the stranger makes it through the veiled barrier and speaks his last words in front of uncle and nephew.

Lem takes this all as a sign and sets off to find the Thaumas in the wider world. And of course, Mariyah and Shemi follow a little while later and on totally different paths. And while there are tropes of both romance and fantasy, such as a traveling acting troupe, what makes this book unique is the story's treatment: who would guess that musicians' egos would cause conflict in the acting troupe? Or that the so-called worship of Kylor also involves a wife's betrayal of her husband?

The writing is down-to-earth, the characters are well-drawn, and the world that Brian D. Anderson has created includes a touch of magic but also a whole lot more humanity. I am surprised to see this listed as YA, as the writing was much more mature and well-grounded than many other YA novels I've read recently. I might just pick up the 2nd and 3rd books this year at DragonCon (if I can remember to look for them with all the other stuff going on that weekend!).

Absinthe of Malice - Rhys Ford
Sinner's Gin series Book #5
4★
We’re getting the band back together. Those six words send a chill down Miki St. John’s spine, especially when they’re spoken with a nearly religious fervor by his brother-in-all-but-blood, Damien Mitchell. However, those words were nothing compared to what Damien says next. And we’re going on tour. When Crossroads Gin hits the road, Damien hopes it will draw them closer together. There’s something magical about being on tour, especially when traveling in a van with no roadies, managers, or lovers to act as a buffer. The band is already close, but Damien knows they can be more―brothers of sorts, bound not only by familial ties but by their intense love for music. As they travel from gig to gig, the band is haunted by past mistakes and personal demons, but they forge on. For Miki, Damie, Forest, and Rafe, the stage is where they all truly come alive, and the music they play is as important to them as the air they breathe. But those demons and troubles won’t leave them alone, and with every mile under their belts, the band faces its greatest challenge―overcoming their deepest flaws and not killing one another along the way.

Book #5 and the band is on tour. The tour appeared to be not very well organized...6,000 miles of misery is what it seemed to be. But Miki and Damien were back on the stage together and doing what they love and do best. The tour was a new experience for Forest and a life redo for Rafe. I love the characters and their Morgan cop partners...but this one...(?) just didn't have the same appeal for me that the first 4 had...and truly, 95% of the feel I had for this one was probably due to the huge age span between myself and the tour scenes in this story. At least Kane, Conner, Sionn & Quinn made frequent hook-ups with the guys and that brought the rating up for me. Two more books in this series and I hope the guys stay closer to home this time...and the other 3 couples get the HEA that Forest and Conner had in this one.

Let Me Live - Kate Bold - (Tennessee)
Ashley Hope series Book #3
3★
Ashley Hope is an average Southern woman, happily engaged-until dark secrets from her past tear her life apart. Now a member of Tennessee's state police's violent crimes division, Ashley is summoned when victims are found murdered in a similar way within the same geographical area. In a mad race against time before the killer strikes again, Ashley must enter the killer's mind and understand: what do these murders have in common? Where will he strike next?

I had never read this author before so didn't have any preconceived ideas about the series...but dead bodies at rest areas sounded promising. It wasn't a bad story by any means, but I had trouble really caring much for the main character of Ashley Hope. The story line was promising and there were a lot of twists and turns as well as a lot of bodies. Of course, the body count was supposed to build up to further the plot along. The story was interesting, but I didn't find myself really caring much as the outcome was fairly predictable, but to be fair...I would be willing to give the series another try.

Conflict of Interest - Zahra Owens - (England)
5★
When a material witness changes her story during a court interrogation, allowing the man who assaulted her little boy to go free, Senior Crown Prosecutor Finn DeHavilland's legendary self-control goes out the window. His subsequent suspension from appearing in court leaves Finn with time on his hands. Desperate to continue working, and after regularly attending his mandatory psychiatric sessions, he accepts a delicate case involving a fraudulent Scotland Yard police detective. Excited to be assigned to the case, DS Tommy Drummond, who has had a soft spot for Finn since Finn defended him during an internal investigation, and his partner, Stevie Fielding, begin uncovering evidence. A series of seemingly random occurrences muddle their investigation. Believing they’re on the right path, the team pushes forward, until Tommy’s apartment goes up in flames. Offering Tommy, a guest room in his home turns up the heat on the growing feelings between Finn and Tommy. But Finn’s baggage may be too much to deal with, and paranoia threatens to tear them apart. As the net around the corrupt detective tightens, it becomes clear he must have had help from high places, and Finn and Tommy become pawns in the game.

Another new author for me...and I plan to find more by her. The entire plot and execution of this story was almost perfect. The events that occurred just seemed to build on one another without muddling the plot. Another thing that made this such a good read as far as I was concerned, was that there is not a lot of description or exposition. I hate when everything in the room has to be given a detailed description. The trial is fascinating. I could not believe what occurred while the mother of the little boy that had been abused was on the stand. His character carried his burden of unnecessary guilt and betrayal into adulthood affecting every relationship he tried to have. But hold-on... If you’re looking for a happily-ever-after, you will find it in this book. Just be patient and wait for it. It's worth it.

The Night Whispers / Caroline Mitchell
4 stars

When two little kids come to elderly woman Rosemary’s door asking for help late at night, she lets them in. The next day, she and her wheelchair-bound son are found brutally murdered, with the two kids nowhere in sight. Sarah is one of the local police, and is helping with the case. Her friend’s son, Elliott, seems to have some insight, as these kids visit him at night, too. And there’s a rumour about town about two black-eyed children.

I really liked this. It was creepy. There were a lot of characters to try to keep straight. The chapters were short and the POV switched around. This was little background stuff, but I also liked that she worked a few COVID things going on (the lead-up as people started wearing masks, a slight opening up again, Zoom calls…). I didn’t realize when I got this via Netgalley that it was the second book in the series. It can be read on its own (obviously, I did, and I really liked it!), but there were hints as to things that happened in the first book, and I do want to back up and read it, too.

Convergance Zone - Elle Keaton - (Washington)
Shielded Hearts series Book #3 (Accidental Roots series?)
5★
The spark between them is undeniable but unless they're careful somebody's going to get burned. An FBI investigator, a permanently single bartender; the men have nothing in common except their sexuality. They meet by chance; converging weather patterns creating a private storm of their own. FBI Agent Carroll Weir wants to escape dreary damp Skagit for a warmer climate, instead he's assigned to a cross-agency smuggling case and working 24/7 to find a killer. Sterling Bailey bartends and considers his customers and employees as family since he doesn't have one of his own. Weir wanders in his bar one night exhausted and tense...and one thing leads to another. When Weir is injured by a hit-and-run driver, Sterling cares for him, and both men are left wondering who will survive and who was responsible for Weir's injuries. Will Sterling and Weir be able to weather the storm? Maybe, but in order to change the course of tomorrow they'll have to accept their pasts and admit they want a future together.

I read book and then bought books 1&2 and soon joined book 3 to them...this time before I read it:) I couldn't wait to read Weir's story, even though he was sure he didn't have one, but that was before he met bartender and owner, Sterling Bailey. I liked that this book was less focused on the crime that Weir was investing and more on the characters...even some from the first two books. Joey and Buck from book 2 have a very touching moment at the end of this one, and Adam and Micah from book 1 play a big part also. You really get pulled in by the characters and the small Washington town. I enjoyed seeing the process of getting them to a happy ending. If the next 5 books are like the first 3...they'll all be back. The only thing that is a bit confusing is the title of the series. In some places the books are listed under the series title "Shielded Hearts" and in others they're listed as "Accidental Roots". Makes it a bit hard to find the next one.

A Fistful of Collars – Spencer Quinn
Audible audio performed by Jim Frangione
3***

Book # 5 in the Chet and Bernie mystery series, has Bernie Small hired to “babysit” a notorious bad-boy Hollywood actor who’s the star of a movie being shot on location in his area. Thad Perry needs tending, to stay off drugs, stay out of trouble, and stay on the job. But Bernie notices that stories aren’t lining up, and he’s suspicious that there’s more to this assignment that originally stated. And before you know it he’s investigating not one but two murders.

Of course, Bernie goes nowhere without his partner, Chet, who is a dog of indeterminate mixed heritage and also narrates the tale. I just love this series. I never get tired of Chet’s way of interpreting what he witnesses. Of course he’s frequently distracted by the smell of a dropped Cheetoh, or the sounds of a particular automobile engine, not to mention others of his kind in the “nation within a nation,” or the promise of a treat (it was a promise, wasn’t it .. well, it was mentioned). And I certainly concur with Chet’s opinion of crullers – Delicious!

Jim Frangione is marvelous narrating this series. I can’t imagine anyone else bringing Chet to life the way Frangione does.

Sin and Tonic - Rhys Ford - (California)
Sinner's Gin series Book #6
5★
John believed happy endings only existed in fairy tales until his life took a few unexpected turns… and now he’s found his own. His best friend, Damien, is back from the dead, and their new band, Crossroads Gin, is soaring up the charts. Miki’s got a solid, loving partner named Kane Morgan―an Inspector with SFPD whose enormous Irish family has embraced him as one of their own―and his dog, Dude, at his side. It’s a pity someone’s trying to kill him. Old loyalties and even older grudges emerge from Chinatown’s murky, mysterious past, and Miki struggles to deal with his dead mother’s abandonment, her secrets, and her brutal murder while he’s hunted by an enigmatic killer who may have ties to her. The case lands in Kane’s lap, and he and Miki are caught in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. When Miki is forced to face his personal demons and the horrors of his childhood, only one thing is certain: the rock star and his cop are determined to fight for their future and survive the evils lurking in Miki’s past.

Sometimes the "Book Gods" do smile down us and when we get to what is supposed to be the end of a series that we have really liked, with characters that are now our best friends...they smile down and hand us yet another installment. Just waiting to start 'Nother Sip of Gin book #7. Happy, Happy Camper here! In this one...#6, we have wedding bells at last. We have Miki meeting people he never thought would be, or that he would ever want to be, a part of his life. We have Miki finding that it's okay for him to leave his past behind and be happy with his new extended family and a promising future. This book is different from the rest of the series in that it's really a thriller/suspense book, and not so much about the romances/relationships of the Crossroad Gin boys. I really wasn't sure when I started this series if it was something that I would want to read more than one book...I am well past the rock band portion of my life...but I absolutely loved these guys, their significant others, and the rest of the Morgan family. I want to either kidnap or adopt the Morgan clan's Dad.

No Coming Back - Keith Houghton - (Minnesota)
5★
Jake Olson hasn't been home since his girlfriend disappeared eighteen years ago, presumed murdered. Now he's coming back in the dead of winter to find her killer. Since he last set foot in his snowy hometown, Jake's whole life has changed beyond recognition, but the place seems just as he left it. Small-town politics and gossip rule, and his return is welcomed with hard feelings. Jake has always protested his innocence, but when a body is discovered at the frozen Hangman Falls, he is beset by a snowstorm of anger and revenge. Hounded by grudges and feared by the townsfolk, Jake is determined to uncover the truth behind his girlfriend's disappearance. But he still has enemies in town, and they have other plans for him. Betrayed at every turn and unsure who to trust, Jake's quest for the truth rekindles old rivalries and rouses ghosts that should never be disturbed. He wants above all else to find the peace of mind that has so long eluded him. But no man can escape his past. Sooner or later, it will catch up and demand a reckoning. And some family secrets should never be exhumed

Possible Trigger Warning: Child abuse
If you are a Dean Koontz or a Stephen King reader, or a psychological thriller/murder mystery fan, you will more than likely add Keith Houghton to that list if you give him a try. I know I have. His characters in this story all have very distinct personalities and his main character Jake has many problems as a result of his childhood abuse. I will admit that sometimes you won't know who you should trust, but you will almost know from the start who the "white hat" guys will be and who the 'back hat" guys will be, but how they will mesh together in this "edge of your seat physiological thriller" is spread throughout the pages until the very last one is read. Keith Houghton has created and maintains an intricately twisting storyline that is easy to follow and to get wrapped up tight in. His main character, Jake, tells most of the story. Everything is seen and told through his perspective. I really can't say enough wonderful things about this author's writing talent. With each new twist comes the totally unexpected. Just get your pot of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, sit back, put your feet up and enjoy this 340-page trip.

The Upright Piano Player – David Abbott
3.5***

This work of literary fiction is a striking debut. Abbott gives us the story of Henry Cage, a successful businessman who seems to have it all: a fine home, a successful career, and a reputation for being a principled and upstanding man. But his outward success hides personal failure. Just as he has retired, his ex-wife has moved to America, his relationship with his only son is strained to the point of estrangement, and he’s the victim of a random act of violence which escalates into a long-term stalking and harassment.

There are small glimmers of hope for Henry, just as there are set-backs. He learns his ex-wife is quite ill, and he agrees to visit her in Florida, and he begins to repair his relationship with his son and to get to know and love his grandson. But he remains alone and separate, even when with those he holds dear.

One thing that did bother me, however, was how Abbott structured the tale. He begins with a chapter set in 2004. We witness Henry’s reactions to a tragedy. Then he goes back to 1999. This kind of foreshadowing is done frequently, but somehow Abbott’s use of this structure left me with more questions than answers.

The Virgin Queen's Daughter / Ella March Chase
3 stars

Although Nell’s mother was once at court, she has kept Nell from going. But when Nell meets Queen Elizabeth, she is intrigued and vows to go when she’s old enough. And she does. But after she is there, things become dangerous.

Ok, not a great summary. I listened to the audio and did lose interest a number of times. Unfortunately, for some reason, although historical fiction used to be one of my favourite genres, it doesn’t always grab me like it used to. Also, Elizabeth has never been my favourite historical person to read about. I’m not sure what it is (or isn’t) about her, but books abour her don’t usually catch my interest for long. I’m rating it 3 stars (ok), but I feel a bit like I’m rating it higher than I should.

The Grave between Us - Tal Bauer - (Iowa)
Noah and Cole series Book #2
5★
t was just one moment. It was just one mistake. For years, men have been disappearing. A father in North Carolina. A boater in California. A hiker in Arkansas. And more, scattered across the United States. The FBI knows who’s responsible: a serial killer they caught, a man they sent young profiler Cole Kennedy to interrogate. But then the killer escaped, leaving the FBI in chaos and Cole’s psyche in tatters. Eight years later, Cole’s life has changed. He’s found the man of his dreams, and he’s moved to Iowa to be with Special Agent Noah Downing, leaving the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit and the murderers behind. Or so he thought. An attack on the backroads of Iowa shatters the FBI, and in the aftermath, they uncover the signature of the last man they expect: the killer who got away. Now he’s hunting Noah, and the BAU descends on Des Moines, sending Cole back on the psychological chase.
To catch the only man who has ever beaten him, Cole will have to delve inside the killer’s mind. It’s a place he barely survived before, and the deeper he goes, the more horrors await. And though Noah is ordered to back off the investigation, he won’t leave Cole to face this darkness alone. If Cole has any hope of saving the man he loves, he must unravel the killer’s twisted profile and follow his trail of death… even when it leads him into the marrow of his worst nightmares.

It was sweet and lovely and heartbreakingly horrible, all at the same time. When I say "horrible" I'm referring to Ian, the killer and his methods and sadistic reasoning. In spite of him...I held out hope that life was going to work out for Noah and Cole. I've read lots of "happy after after's", but these two men who had just put so much into their love and their planned future...their lives just had to be allowed to turn out better than "just okay". Of course, I read the second book first... (Those that know me are not at all surprised) ...but even without reading the first book A Murder Between Us, I knew I was a big fan of these two men, and I really, really hope that Tal Bauer is busy giving us more Noah and Cole. The story showed us how sweet and powerful the relationship was between them and how much they wanted to provide love and a home together with, and for, their daughter Katie. The plot was a bit heavy at times, and the vivid descriptions of the killers "kill methods" may be hard for some to read, but in no way is the story unbalanced. It has everything that makes an interesting, real-to-life mystery and suspense, while being filled with love between the main characters, and hope that they share for their family's future. An excellent book and an excellent series by a very talented author.

The Vixen by Francine Prose
4 1/2 ****

It's 1953, and Simon Putnam, a recent Harvard graduate newly hired by a distinguished New York publishing firm, has entered a glittering milieu of three-martini lunches, exclusive literary parties, and old-money aristocrats in exquisitely tailored suits, a far cry from his loving, middle-class Jewish family on Coney Island. But Simon's first assignment--editin "The Vixen, the Patriot, and the Fanatic," a steamy bodice-ripper improbably based on the recent trial and executions of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, a potboiler intended to shore up the firm's failing finances--makes him question the cost of admission to his exciting new profession. Because Simon has a secret that, at the height of the Red Scare and the McCarthy hearings, he cannot reveal: his beloved mother was a childhood friend of Ethel Rosenberg's.

That cover photo? That one that looks so familiar? That is the final kiss of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg before they are led to their execution. It is as iconic a photo as President Kennedy in his motorcade or pictures of the Twin Towers during the 9/11 attacks.

Told from the point of view of Simon Putnam, a recent Harvard grad with a degree in Old Norse (both important points in the novel), it starts with the night the Rosenberg's are executed. It is an especially poignant night since Simon's mother grew up with Ethel and defended her even at the end. The Putnams are a Jewish family who live near Coney Island at a time when being Jewish was sometimes akin to being a Communist.

Set in the 1950's during the McCarthy hearings, young Simon, through his father, is able to secure a job at a publishing house. His job is to read the rejected manuscripts and respond kindly to the authors. Of course he longs for something better and finally receives a manuscript on his desk about the Rosenberg case, re-written to make "Ester" a seductive housewife with no conscience or morals, and her husband a dupe.

How do you edit a book that is a re-write of your beloved mother's girlhood friend? And how do you navigate the world of publishing, with the multi-martini lunches and fragile authors? And what do you do when this manuscript is supposed to save the struggling publishing house?

A fine look at conscience and coming of age and gaining knowledge and the perils of the adult world. I could have done with less of questioning and angst that occupies a good portion of the book, hence the half star for the rating. But when the enormity of the plot was finally presented it took my breath away.

The Fated Sky / Mary Robinette Kowal
4 stars

This is the second in the “Lady Astronaut” series. I am trying to write the summary so as not to spoil the first book. It’s 1961 and astronauts are training to go to Mars. When the celebrity calculator, Elma, somewhat reluctantly (it’s hard to leave her husband for at least 3 years) agrees to go on the mission (even though others have already been training for months), she didn’t realize she would be taking another’s place. That person is her Taiwanese friend Helen. There are groups on Earth also protesting the mission.

I liked this better than the first one (I’m rating it higher, anyway). It’s been a while since I read the first, but I think there were some parts where I was bored, I lost interest. That did not happen at all in this one. I liked (most of) the characters and even the ones I didn’t like made for an interesting story. There is also a lot of prejudices, racism, and sexism, along with a lot of conflict, but it’s a tight space shared for a long time. I really liked this one

The Book of Lost Tales, Part 2 by J. R. R. Tolkien
5*****

"The Book of Lost Tales" was the first major work of imagination by J. R. R. Tolkien, begun in 1916, when he was twenty-five years old, and left incomplete several years later. It stands at the beginning of the entire conception of Middle-earth and Valinor, for the "Lost Tales" were the first form of myths and legends that came to be called "The Silmarillion." Published in two volumes, this second part includes Beren and Luthien Turin and the Dragon, and the only full narratives of the Necklace of the Dwarves and the Fall of Gondolin. Each tale is followed by a commentary, together with associated poems, and each volume contains extensive information on names and vocabulary of the earliest Elvish languages.

The recurring themes throughout this volume are the faring forth of the Elves and the loveliness of Valinor, the downfall of beauty and the sadness of the First Folk who are left. In my teen years I wondered why these "earliest examples" of Tolkien's writings, which were referred to in "The Silmarillion" and in Tolkien's biographies, were never brought to the printed page to warm my heart and fire my imagination. And now I know: the magnitude of what he created was so massive that he created a world almost too massive to put into Story as we know it.

What he did instead was to create a world, based on what he loved linguistically and culturally, weave into it his deep sadness of the loss of his mother, his friends in the trenches, and the English countryside, and return to it over and over again to find the germ of what would find an audience and tell a small part of his story. It certainly speaks to a literary maturity that comes about when one crafts what one wants to show over time and over many, many revisions.